Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
GENERAL
This discussion should be read in conjunction with the information contained in our Consolidated Financial Statements, and the accompanying notes elsewhere in this report. Unless otherwise indicated, the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” or similar words are used to refer to LyondellBasell Industries N.V. together with its consolidated subsidiaries (“LyondellBasell N.V.”).
The discussion summarizing the significant factors affecting the results of operations and financial condition for the year ended December 31, 2022 and for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022 has been excluded from this Form 10-K and can be found in Part II, “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 22, 2024 of which Item 7 is incorporated herein by reference.
OVERVIEW
Results for 2024 decreased when compared to 2023 as impairments recognized in 2024 primarily in our Olefins and Polyolefins-Europe, Asia, International (“O&P-EAI”) segment were partially offset by impairment charges recognized in 2023 in our Advanced Polymer Solutions (“APS”) and Intermediates & Derivatives (“I&D”) segments. Throughout 2024, petrochemical markets faced headwinds from soft global demand, rising raw material costs and economic uncertainty. Markets were broadly pressured by weak demand for durable goods, which impacted margins in the company's Olefins and Polyolefins-Americas (“O&P-Americas”), O&P-EAI and I&D segments. Margins for our I&D and Refining segments fell due to lower crude oil prices and gasoline crack spreads. These decreases were offset by industry cracker outages which benefited olefins margins in our O&P-Americas segment. Margin recovery in the APS segment was limited by global declines in automotive production.
We remain committed to our balanced and disciplined capital allocation strategy. During 2024, we generated $3,819 million in cash from operating activities, invested $1,839 million in capital expenditures and returned $1,915 million to shareholders through dividend payments and share repurchases.
35
Table of Contents
Results of operations for the periods discussed are presented in the table below.
Year Ended December 31,
Sales and other operating revenues $ 40,302 $ 41,107
Selling, general and administrative expenses 1,663 1,557
Research and development expenses 135 130
Gain on sale of business 284 —
Other income (expense), net 50 (58)
Loss from equity investments (217) (20)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes 1,603 2,627
Provision for income taxes 240 501
Income from continuing operations 1,363 2,126
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 4 (5)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax –
Financial derivatives 115 (80)
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans (2) (97)
Foreign currency translations (169) 73
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (56) (104)
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Revenues—Revenues decreased by $805 million, or 2%, in 2024 compared to 2023. Lower average sales prices driven by lower demand resulted in a 2% decrease in revenues.
Cost of Sales—Cost of sales remained relatively unchanged, in 2024 compared to 2023. Fluctuations in our cost of sales are generally driven by changes in feedstock and energy costs. On an annual basis, feedstock and energy related costs generally represent approximately 75% to 80% of cost of sales. Other variable costs account for approximately 10% of cost of sales and fixed operating costs, consisting primarily of expenses associated with employee compensation, depreciation and amortization, and maintenance, account for the remainder.
Impairments—During 2024, we recognized non-cash impairment charges of $949 million, primarily consisting of impairments of property, plant and equipment of $892 million in our O&P-EAI and APS segments. During 2023, we recognized non-cash impairment charges of $518 million, primarily consisting of a goodwill impairment charge of $252 million in our APS segment and an impairment charge of $192 million related to our European PO joint venture recognized in our I&D segment. See Notes 7, 8 and 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding impairment charges.
SG&A Expenses—Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased by $106 million, or 7%, in 2024 compared to 2023, primarily attributable to an increase in employee-related expenses.
36
Table of Contents
Operating Income—Operating income decreased by $1,236 million, or 40%, in 2024 compared to 2023. In 2024, Operating income decreased for our O&P-EAI, Refining, and I&D segments by $848 million, $434 million and $311 million, respectively. Operating income for our APS, O&P-Americas and Technology segments increased by $213 million, $140 million and $4 million, respectively, in 2024 compared to 2023. Results for each of our business segments are discussed further in the Segment Analysis section below.
Gain on Sale of Business—In the second quarter of 2024, we completed the sale of our Ethylene Oxide & Derivatives (“EO&D”) business and associated production facilities located in Bayport, Texas and recognized a pre-tax gain of $284 million. See Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Loss from Equity Investments—Losses from equity investments increased $197 million, or 985%, in 2024 compared to 2023. Approximately 82% of the change was driven by our O&P-EAI segment, primarily due to the recognition of a deferred tax valuation allowance charge by our Chinese joint venture. The remaining change was primarily driven by lower polypropylene margins at our Mexican joint venture in our O&P-Americas segment.
Income Taxes—Our effective income tax rates of 15.0% in 2024 and 19.1% in 2023 resulted in tax provisions of $240 million and $501 million, respectively. The lower effective tax rate for 2024 was primarily attributable to changes in earnings in countries with varying statutory tax rates, largely attributable to fourth quarter non-cash impairments decreasing the effective tax rate by 5.5% in comparison to 2023. There was a further decrease in the effective tax rate of 1.7% related to fluctuations in foreign exchange gains and losses, partially offset by an increase in the effective tax rate of 2.6% related to reduced exempt income in 2024. For additional information, see Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Comprehensive Income—Comprehensive income decreased by $706 million in 2024 compared to 2023, primarily due to a decrease in net income. The activities from the remaining components of Comprehensive income are discussed below.
Financial derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, primarily our commodity swaps, led to an increase in Comprehensive income of $195 million in 2024 compared to 2023, reflecting commodity pricing volatility. Defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans led to an increase in Comprehensive income of $95 million in 2024 compared to 2023, primarily due to actuarial gains resulting from higher-than-expected asset returns offset by a decrease in discount rates. Foreign currency translations decreased Comprehensive income by $242 million in 2024 compared to 2023, primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the euro in 2024, offset by the effective portion of our net investment hedges. See Notes 13, 14 and 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussions.
37
Table of Contents
Segment Analysis
We use earnings from continuing operations before interest, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) as our measure of profitability for segment reporting purposes. This measure of segment operating results is used by our chief operating decision maker to assess the performance of, and allocate resources to, our operating segments. Intersegment eliminations and items that are not directly related or allocated to business operations, such as foreign exchange gains or losses and components of pension and other post-retirement benefits other than service costs, are included in “Other.” See the table below for a reconciliation of EBITDA to its nearest generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) measure.
The following table presents the reconciliation of Net Income to EBITDA for each of the periods presented:
Year Ended December 31,
(Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (4) 5
Income from continuing operations 1,363 2,126
Provision for income taxes 240 501
Depreciation and amortization 1,522 1,534
Our continuing operations are managed through six reportable segments: O&P-Americas, O&P-EAI, I&D, APS, Refining and Technology. Revenues and other information for the periods presented are reflected in the tables below for our reportable segments:
Year Ended December 31,
Sales and other operating revenues:
Other, including intersegment eliminations (5,386) (5,813)
Operating income (loss):
Other, including intersegment eliminations (8) (8)
38
Table of Contents
Year Ended December 31,
Depreciation and amortization:
O&P-Americas segment $ 619 $ 587
Technology segment 42 41
Income (loss) from equity investments:
O&P-Americas segment $ 13 $ 49
O&P-EAI segment (217) (55)
I&D segment (13) (13)
APS segment — (1)
Impairments:
O&P-Americas segment $ — $ 25
Refining segment — 11
Gain on sale of business:
I&D segment $ 284 $ —
Other income (expense), net:
O&P-Americas segment $ 8 $ 2
O&P-EAI segment 14 (1)
APS segment 12 2
Refining segment 3 —
Technology segment (1) —
Other, including intersegment eliminations (27) (48)
EBITDA:
O&P-EAI segment (991) (9)
Other, including intersegment eliminations (35) (56)
39
Table of Contents
Olefins and Polyolefins-Americas Segment
Overview—EBITDA increased in 2024 relative to 2023 primarily due to improved olefins margins, partially offset by lower polymer margins.
In calculating the impact of margin and volume on EBITDA, consistent with industry practice, management offsets revenues and volumes related to ethylene co-products against the cost to produce ethylene. Volume and price impacts of ethylene co-products are reported in margin.
Ethylene Raw Materials—Ethylene and its co-products are produced from two major raw material groups:
•natural gas liquids (“NGLs”), principally ethane and propane, the prices of which are generally affected by natural gas prices; and
•crude oil-based liquids (“liquids” or “heavy liquids”), including naphtha, condensates and gas oils, the prices of which are generally related to crude oil prices.
We have flexibility to vary the raw material mix and process conditions in our U.S. olefins plants in order to maximize profitability as market prices fluctuate for both feedstocks and products. Although prices of crude-based liquids and natural gas liquids are generally related to crude oil and natural gas prices, during specific periods the relationships among these materials and benchmarks may vary significantly. Ethane made up approximately 75% and 70% of the raw materials used in our North American crackers in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The following table sets forth selected financial information for the O&P-Americas segment including Income from equity investments, which is a component of EBITDA.
Year Ended December 31,
Sales and other operating revenues $ 11,533 $ 11,280
Income from equity investments 13 49
Revenues—Revenues increased by $253 million, or 2%, in 2024 compared to 2023. Higher average sales prices across most of our products resulted in a 5% increase in revenue. Lower co-product volumes driven by unplanned outages resulted in a 3% decrease in revenue.
EBITDA—EBITDA increased by $142 million, or 6%, in 2024 compared to 2023. Higher olefins results led to a 19% increase in EBITDA primarily driven by higher margins resulting from higher ethylene prices due to industry cracker downtime and lower feedstock and energy cost. Lower polymer results led to a 5% decrease in EBITDA primarily due to lower margins reflecting higher monomer cost. During 2024 and 2023, we recognized a LIFO inventory charge of $22 million and benefit of $73 million, respectively, which resulted in a 4% decrease in EBITDA. EBITDA decreased 2% due to lower income from equity investments reflecting lower polypropylene margins at our joint venture in Mexico.
Olefins and Polyolefins-Europe, Asia, International Segment
Overview—EBITDA decreased in 2024 compared to 2023 primarily driven by an $837 million non-cash impairment of property, plant and equipment related assets included in our European strategic review.
In calculating the impact of margin and volume on EBITDA, consistent with industry practice, management offsets revenues and volumes related to ethylene co-products against the cost to produce ethylene. Volume and price impacts of ethylene co-products are reported in margin.
Ethylene Raw Materials—In Europe, naphtha is the primary raw material for our ethylene production and represented approximately 60% and 65% of the raw materials used in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
40
Table of Contents
The following table sets forth selected financial information for the O&P-EAI segment including Loss from equity investments, which is a component of EBITDA.
Year Ended December 31,
Sales and other operating revenues $ 10,867 $ 10,479
Loss from equity investments (217) (55)
Revenues—Revenues increased by $388 million, or 4%, in 2024 compared to 2023. Higher average sales prices and volumes each resulted in a 2% increase in revenue primarily due to higher demand.
EBITDA—EBITDA decreased by $982 million in 2024 compared to 2023. The decrease in EBITDA was largely driven by an $837 million non-cash impairment of property, plant and equipment related to our European assets included in our strategic review. Increase in losses from equity investments of $162 million, driven by a deferred tax valuation allowance recognized in the fourth quarter of 2024 by a Chinese joint venture reduced EBITDA. The remainder of the change was primarily driven by an increase in polymer results as margins improved due to higher average prices coupled with lower energy costs.
Intermediates and Derivatives Segment
Overview—EBITDA decreased in 2024 compared to 2023, primarily driven by lower oxyfuels and related products margins as a result of lower crude oil and gasoline pricing combined with lower blend premiums.
The following table sets forth selected financial information for the I&D segment including Loss from equity investments, which is a component of EBITDA.
Year Ended December 31,
Sales and other operating revenues $ 10,424 $ 11,086
Loss from equity investments (13) (13)
Revenues—Revenues decreased by $662 million, or 6%, in 2024 compared to 2023 driven by lower average sales prices for oxyfuels and related products as a result of lower gasoline crack spreads and blend premiums.
EBITDA—EBITDA decreased $15 million, or 1%, in 2024 compared to 2023. Lower oxyfuels and related products margins driven by lower gasoline cracks in the US and Europe and lower oxyfuel prices as compared to the prior year drove a 43% decrease in EBITDA. The decrease was partially offset by increased oxyfuels and related products volumes primarily from our newest PO/TBA plant which drove an 11% increase in EBITDA. During 2024 we recognized a $284 million gain on the sale of our EO&D business which resulted in a 17% increase in EBITDA. During 2023, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $192 million related to our equity investment in the European PO joint venture. The absence of a similar charge in 2024 resulted in a 11% increase in EBITDA.
41
Table of Contents
Advanced Polymer Solutions Segment
Overview—EBITDA increased in 2024 compared to 2023, largely due to a decrease in non-cash impairment charges.
The following table sets forth selected financial information for the APS segment including Loss from equity investments, which is a component of EBITDA.
Year Ended December 31,
Sales and other operating revenues $ 3,634 $ 3,698
Loss from equity investments — (1)
Revenues—Revenues decreased in 2024 by $64 million, or 2%, compared to 2023 as a result of lower average sales prices.
EBITDA—EBITDA increased in 2024 by $216 million, or 133%, compared to 2023. During 2023, we recognized a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $252 million after the effect of moving our Catalloy and polybutene-1 businesses from our APS segment and reintegrating them into our O&P-Americas and O&P-EAI segments. During 2024, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $55 million related to our specialty powders business. The change in impairment charges in 2024 relative to 2023 resulted in a 122% increase in EBITDA. Improved margins primarily driven by lower raw material cost and favorable mix resulted in a 16% increase in EBITDA.
Refining Segment
Overview—EBITDA decreased in 2024 relative to 2023 primarily due to lower margins.
The following table sets forth selected financial information and heavy crude oil processing rates for the Refining segment and the U.S. refining market margins for the applicable periods. “Brent” is a light sweet crude oil and is one of the main benchmark prices for purchases of oil worldwide. “Maya” is a heavy sour crude oil grade produced in Mexico that is a relevant benchmark for heavy sour crude oils in the U.S. Gulf Coast market. References to industry benchmarks for refining market margins are to industry prices reported by Platts, a division of S&P Global.
Year Ended December 31,
Sales and other operating revenues $ 8,559 $ 9,714
Thousands of barrels per day
Heavy crude oil processing rates 237 237
Market margins, dollars per barrel
Revenues—Revenues decreased by $1,155 million, or 12%, in 2024 compared to 2023 driven by lower product prices reflecting lower margins on refined products.
42
Table of Contents
EBITDA—EBITDA decreased by $439 million or 116%, in 2024 compared to 2023. Lower margins drove a 152% decrease in EBITDA primarily due to a decrease in the Maya 2-1-1 industry crack spread of approximately $11 per barrel to $28 per barrel. A decrease in costs incurred related to our planned exit from the refining business in 2024 compared to 2023 resulted in a 25% increase in EBITDA.
Technology Segment
Overview—Our Technology segment recognizes revenues related to the sale of polyolefin catalysts and the licensing of chemical and polyolefin process technologies. These revenues are offset in part by the costs incurred in the production of catalysts, licensing and services activities and research and development (“R&D”) activities. In 2024 and 2023, our Technology segment incurred approximately 55% and 50% of all R&D costs, respectively.
EBITDA increased in 2024 compared to 2023 primarily due to higher licensing results partially offset by lower catalyst demand.
The following table sets forth selected financial information for the Technology segment.
Year Ended December 31,
Sales and other operating revenues $ 671 $ 663
Revenues—Revenues increased by $8 million, or 1%, in 2024 compared to 2023. Higher licensing revenues resulting from a higher number of contracts reaching significant milestones drove a 3% increase in revenue. Higher catalyst prices drove a 1% increase in revenues. Lower catalyst volumes resulting from lower demand drove a 3% decrease in revenues.
EBITDA—EBITDA in 2024 increased by $4 million, or 1%, compared to 2023. Licensing results led to a 6% increase in EBITDA resulting from more contracts reaching significant milestones. Lower catalyst volumes driven by lower demand resulted in a 4% decrease in EBITDA.
43
Table of Contents
FINANCIAL CONDITION
The following table summarizes operating, investing and financing cash flow activities:
Year Ended December 31,
Cash provided by (used in):
Operating Activities—Cash provided by operating activities of $3,819 million in 2024 primarily reflected earnings adjusted for non-cash items and cash used by the main components of working capital–Accounts receivable, Inventories and Accounts payable.
In 2024, the main components of working capital provided $30 million of cash driven by a decrease in Accounts receivable and Inventories, partially offset by a decrease in Accounts payable. The decrease in Accounts receivable was due to lower average sales prices coupled with timing of sales and customer payments. The decrease in Inventories was primarily driven by higher sales volumes, slightly offset by inventory build in anticipation of turnarounds in the first quarter of 2025. The decrease in Accounts payable was driven by decreased raw material costs, partially offset by timing of payments.
Cash provided by operating activities of $4,942 million in 2023 primarily reflected earnings adjusted for non-cash items and cash provided by the main components of working capital.
In 2023, the main components of working capital provided $269 million of cash driven by a decrease in Accounts receivable and an increase in Accounts payable. The decrease in Accounts receivable was primarily due to lower revenues in our O&P-Americas, O&P-EAI and APS segments, primarily driven by lower average sales prices. The increase in Accounts payable was primarily driven by higher feedstock and energy costs in our O&P-Americas segment.
Investing Activities—Capital expenditures in 2024 totaled $1,839 million compared to $1,531 million in 2023, of which approximately 75% and 70%, respectively, support sustaining maintenance such as turnaround activities at several sites as well as other plant Health, Safety and Environmental projects. The remaining expenditures support profit-generating growth projects. See Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding capital spending by segment.
In 2024, we sold our EO&D business for $689 million and invested approximately $500 million to acquire a 35% stake in the National Petrochemical Industrial Company (“NATPET”) joint venture. See Notes 8 and 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
In 2024, foreign currency contracts with an aggregate notional value of €850 million expired. Upon settlement of these foreign currency contracts, we paid €850 million ($921 million at the expiry spot rate) to our counterparties and received $967 million from our counterparties.
In 2023, foreign currency contracts with an aggregate notional value of €750 million expired. Upon settlement of these foreign currency contracts, we paid €750 million ($820 million at the expiry spot rate) to our counterparties and received $903 million from our counterparties.
Financing Activities—We made dividend payments totaling $1,720 million and $1,610 million, in 2024 and 2023, respectively. Additionally, in 2024 and 2023, we made payments of $195 million and $211 million to repurchase outstanding ordinary shares, respectively. For additional information related to our share repurchases and dividend payments, see Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In 2024, we issued $750 million of 5.5% guaranteed notes due 2034. Additionally, we repaid the $775 million remaining of outstanding principal on our 5.75% senior notes due 2024.
44
Table of Contents
In 2023, we issued $500 million of 5.625% guaranteed notes due 2033. Additionally, we repaid the $425 million remaining of outstanding principal on our 4.0% guaranteed notes due 2023. For additional detail regarding these debt transactions see Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In 2023, we made net repayments of $200 million through the issuance and repurchase of commercial paper instruments under our commercial paper program.
In 2024, foreign currency contracts with an aggregate notional value of €784 million expired. Upon settlement of these foreign currency contracts, which were designated as cash flow hedges, we paid €784 million ($835 million at the expiry spot rate) to our counterparties and received $849 million from our counterparties.
For additional information related to our swaps and currency contracts, see Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
We plan to fund our working capital, capital expenditures, debt service, dividends and other cash requirements with our current available liquidity and cash from operations, which could be affected by general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. Debt repayment, and the purchase of shares under our share repurchase authorization, may be funded from cash and cash equivalents, cash from short-term investments, cash from operating activities, proceeds from the issuance of debt, or a combination thereof.
As part of our overall capital allocation strategy, we plan to provide returns to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases. Barring any significant or unforeseen business challenges, mergers or acquisitions, over the long-term, we are targeting shareholder returns of 70% of free cash flow, defined as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. We intend to continue to declare and pay quarterly dividends, with the goal of increasing the dividend over time, after giving consideration to our cash balances and expected results from operations. Our focus on funding our dividends while remaining committed to a strong investment grade balance sheet continues to be the foundation of our capital allocation strategy.
Cash and Liquid Investments
As of December 31, 2024, we had Cash and cash equivalents totaling $3,375 million, which includes $1,172 million in jurisdictions outside of the U.S., primarily held within the European Union. There are currently no legal or economic restrictions that would materially impede our transfers of cash.
Credit Arrangements
At December 31, 2024, we had total debt, including current maturities, of $11,149 million. Additionally, we had $174 million of outstanding letters of credit, bank guarantees and surety bonds issued under uncommitted credit facilities.
We had total unused availability under our credit facilities of $4,650 million at December 31, 2024, which included the following:
•$3,750 million under our $3,750 million Senior Revolving Credit Facility. This facility backs our $2,500 million commercial paper program. Availability under this facility is net of outstanding borrowings, outstanding letters of credit provided under the facility and notes issued under our commercial paper program. At December 31, 2024, we had no outstanding commercial paper and no borrowings or letters of credit outstanding under this facility; and
•$900 million under our $900 million U.S. Receivables Facility. Availability under this facility is subject to a borrowing base of eligible receivables, which is reduced by outstanding borrowings and letters of credit, if any. At December 31, 2024, we had no borrowings or letters of credit outstanding under this facility.
In 2024, we amended some terms of our credit agreements. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details.
45
Table of Contents
At any time and from time to time, we may repay or redeem our outstanding debt, including purchases of our outstanding bonds in the open market, through privately negotiated transactions or a combination thereof, in each case using cash and cash equivalents, cash from our short-term investments, cash from operating activities, proceeds from the issuance of debt or proceeds from asset divestitures. Any repayment or redemption of our debt will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. In connection with such repurchases or redemptions, we may incur cash and non-cash charges, which could be material in the period in which they are incurred.
In accordance with our current interest rate risk management strategy and subject to management’s evaluation of market conditions and the availability of favorable interest rates among other factors, we may from time to time enter into interest rate swap agreements to economically convert a portion of our fixed rate debt to variable rate debt or convert a portion of our variable rate debt to fixed rate debt.
Share Repurchases
In May 2024, our shareholders approved a proposal to authorize us to repurchase up to 34.0 million ordinary shares, through November 24, 2025, which superseded any prior repurchase authorizations. Our share repurchase authorization does not have a stated dollar amount, and purchases may be made through open market purchases, private market transactions or other structured transactions. Repurchased shares could be retired or used for general corporate purposes, including for various employee benefit and compensation plans. The maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased is not necessarily an indication of the number of shares that will ultimately be purchased. In 2024, we purchased 2.2 million shares under our share repurchase authorization for $198 million.
As of February 25, 2025, we had approximately 31.1 million shares remaining under the current authorization. The timing and amounts of additional shares repurchased, if any, will be determined based on our evaluation of market conditions and other factors, including any additional authorizations approved by our shareholders. For additional information related to our share repurchase authorizations, see Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Capital Budget
In 2025, we are planning to invest approximately $1.9 billion in capital expenditures. Approximately $1.2 billion of the 2025 budget is planned for sustaining maintenance, with the remaining budget supporting profit-generating growth projects. Our profit-generating growth project budget includes approximately $350 million, for projects that support our sustainability goals, including investments in emissions reduction and our CLCS business. Our capital spending plans are aligned with our strategic pillars.
Cash Requirements from Contractual and Other Obligations
As part of our ongoing operations, we enter into contractual arrangements that may require us to make future cash payments under certain circumstances. Our cash requirements related to contractual and other obligations primarily consist of purchase obligations, principal and interest payments on outstanding debt, lease payments, pension and other post-retirement benefits and income taxes. For more information regarding our debt arrangements, lease obligations, pension and other post-retirement benefits and income taxes, see Notes 11, 12, 14 and 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, respectively.
We are party to obligations to purchase raw materials, utilities and industrial gases which are designed to ensure sources of supply and are not expected to be in excess of normal requirements. These purchase arrangements include provisions which state minimum purchase quantities or fixed-fees; however, in the event we do not take the contractual minimum volumes, we are obligated to compensate the vendor only for any resulting economic losses they suffer. No material fees were paid to vendors for such losses in 2024. Assuming that contractual minimum volumes are purchased at contract prices as of December 31, 2024, these commitments represent approximately 15% of our annual Cost of sales with a weighted average remaining term of 8 years.
We also have purchase obligations under take-or-pay agreements which require us to either buy and take delivery of a minimum quantity of goods or to pay for any shortfall. These arrangements largely relate to product off-take agreements with a joint venture located in Poland. No material shortfall was paid for quantities not taken under these contracts in 2024. When valued using a contract price as of December 31, 2024, these commitments represent approximately 5% of our annual Cost of sales with a weighted average remaining term of 14 years.
46
Table of Contents
CURRENT BUSINESS OUTLOOK
In 2025 we remain watchful and prepared for the macroeconomic catalysts that will eventually drive restocking of supply chains, improve demand for durable goods and support a more broad-based economic recovery. One indicator of recovery is that North American domestic demand for polyolefins rebounded in 2024, after two years of declines. Increased driving and summertime gasoline specifications should lead to typical seasonal improvements in oxyfuels margins. We expect a gradual recovery in oxyfuel margins over the summer months, with strong octane premiums and the relatively low cost of butane raw materials supportive of long-term oxyfuels fundamentals. Tariff and trade uncertainties are potential headwinds. Our refining operations will cease in the first quarter of 2025, a strategic milestone paving the way for continued growth in circular and low-carbon feedstocks and products. We are aligning our first quarter operating rates with global demand and expect to operate our O&P-Americas, O&P-EAI and I&D assets at approximately 80%, 75% and 80%, respectively.
Value Enhancement Program (“VEP”)
During 2022, we introduced our VEP, which expands capacity through low-cost debottlenecks and improved reliability, reduces costs and emissions by saving energy and increases margins through improvements in procurement, logistics and customer service. We estimate Net income and recurring annual EBITDA benefits for the VEP based on 2017 through 2019 mid-cycle margins and modest inflation relative to a 2021 baseline year. We believe recurring annual EBITDA is useful to investors because it represents a key measure used by management to assess progress towards our strategy of value creation.
At the end of 2024, we estimated VEP benefits to have a year-end annual run rate of approximately $610 million of Net income which, after adding back income taxes and depreciation and amortization of $155 million and $35 million, respectively, results in approximately $800 million of recurring annual EBITDA. We incurred one-time costs of approximately $200 million per year in 2023 and 2024 related to our Value Enhancement Program.
We anticipate that our VEP will achieve a 2025 year-end annual run rate of approximately $760 million of Net income, which, after adding back income taxes and depreciation and amortization of approximately $190 million and $50 million, respectively, results in approximately $1,000 million of recurring annual EBITDA. We estimate incurring one-time costs of $200 million in 2025 related to our Value Enhancement Program.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
We have related party transactions with our joint ventures. We believe that such transactions are affected on terms substantially no more or less favorable than those that would have been agreed upon by unrelated parties on an arm’s length basis. See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional related party disclosures.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Management applies those accounting policies that it believes best reflect the underlying business and economic events, consistent with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Inherent in such policies are certain key assumptions and estimates made by management and updated periodically based on its latest assessment of the current and projected business and general economic environment.
Management believes the following accounting policies and estimates, and the judgments and uncertainties affecting them, are critical in understanding our reported operating results and financial condition.
Inventories—We account for our raw materials, work-in-progress and finished goods inventories using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method of accounting.
The cost of raw materials, which represents a substantial portion of our operating expenses, and energy costs generally follow price trends for crude oil and/or natural gas. Crude oil and natural gas prices are subject to many factors, including changes in economic conditions.
47
Table of Contents
Since our inventory consists of manufactured products derived from crude oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids and correlated materials, as well as the associated feedstocks and intermediate chemicals, our inventory market values are generally influenced by changes in the benchmark of crude oil and heavy liquid values and prices for manufactured finished goods. The degree of influence of a particular benchmark may vary from period to period, as the composition of the dollar value LIFO pools change. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method is performed at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations are based on our estimates of expected inventory levels and costs at the end of the year.
LIFO value is measured at the total pool level. The impact of the measurement of each LIFO pool at the lower of cost or market value (“LCM”) is a function of the current market prices and the composition, or product mix, of inventory within the pool at the balance sheet date. Due to the compositions of our LIFO pools, changes in market prices of the materials within the pool from period-to-period do not necessarily correlate with LCM charges. An LCM condition may arise due to a volumetric or price decline in a particular material that had previously provided a positive impact within a pool.
As indicated above, fluctuation in the prices of crude oil, natural gas and correlated products from period to period may result in the recognition of charges to adjust the value of inventory to the lower of cost or market in periods of falling prices and the reversal of those charges in subsequent interim periods, within the same fiscal year, as market prices recover. Accordingly, our cost of sales and results of operations may be affected by such fluctuations.
We do not believe any of our inventory is at risk for impairment at this time, however as prices for our products and raw materials are inherently volatile, no prediction can be given with certainty. Given the inherent volatility in the prices of our finished goods and raw materials, sustained price declines could result in LCM inventory valuation charges.
Long-Lived Assets Impairment Assessment—The need to test for impairment can be based on several indicators, including a significant reduction in prices of or demand for products produced, a weakened outlook for profitability, a significant reduction in margins, an expectation that a long-lived asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life, other changes to contracts or changes in the regulatory environment. If the sum of the undiscounted estimated pre-tax cash flows for an asset group is less than the asset group’s carrying value, fair value is calculated for the asset group using an income approach or a market approach when appropriate, and the carrying value is written down to the calculated fair value. For purposes of impairment evaluation, long-lived assets including finite-lived intangible assets must be grouped at the lowest level for which independent cash flows can be identified.
Significant judgment is involved in developing estimates of future cash flows since the results are based on forecasted financial information prepared using significant assumptions which may include, among other things, projected changes in supply and demand fundamentals (including industry-wide capacity, our planned utilization rate and end-user demand), new technological developments, capital expenditures, new competitors with significant raw material or other cost advantages, changes associated with world economies, the cyclical nature of the chemical and refining industries, uncertainties associated with governmental actions and other economic conditions. Such estimates are consistent with those used in our financial planning and business performance reviews.
When an income approach is used to estimate fair value of our long-lived assets, the cash flows are discounted using a rate that is based on a variety of factors, including market and economic conditions, operational risk, regulatory risk and political risk. This discount rate is also compared to recent observable market transactions, if possible.
In conjunction with our fourth quarter 2024 quarterly asset impairment analysis, we recognized non-cash impairment charges related to property, plant and equipment of $837 million in our O&P-EAI segment related to the European assets under strategic review and $55 million in our APS segment related to our specialty powders business. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
48
Table of Contents
The estimated fair values for the European assets and specialty powders business were calculated using a discounted cash flow method under the income approach and assumptions including management’s view on long-term growth rates in our industry, discount rates and other assumptions based on a market participant perspective. In the fourth quarter of 2024 we launched a marketing effort to gauge market interest in the European assets included in our strategic review. Fair value indicators obtained through our marketing efforts were also considered. These estimates required considerable judgment and are sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions such as future commodity prices, margins, operating rates and capital expenditures including repairs and maintenance. As a result, there can be no assurance that the estimates and assumptions made for purposes of our impairment determination will prove to be an accurate prediction of the future. Should our estimates and assumptions significantly change in future periods, it is possible that we may determine future impairment charges.
An estimate of the sensitivity to net income resulting from impairment calculations is not practicable, given the numerous assumptions, including pricing, volumes, discount rates, and market information provided by unrelated third parties that can materially affect our estimates. That is, unfavorable adjustments to some of the above listed assumptions may be offset by favorable adjustments in other assumptions. Property, plant and equipment impairments incurred represent a full write down of the assets, sensitivity analysis would not change the outcome of the impairment assessment.
Equity Method Investments Impairment—Investments in nonconsolidated entities accounted for under the equity method are assessed for impairment when there are indicators of a loss in value, such as a lack of sustained earnings capacity or a current fair value less than the investment’s carrying amount. When it is determined such a loss in value is other than temporary, an impairment charge is recognized for the difference between the investment’s carrying value and its estimated fair value. When determining whether a decline in value is other than temporary, management considers factors such as the duration and extent of the decline, the investee’s financial condition and near-term prospects, and our ability and intention to retain our investment for a period that will be sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in the value of the investment. Management’s estimate of fair value of an investment is based on the income approach and/or market approach. For the income approach, the fair value is typically based on the present value of expected future cash flows using discount rates believed to be consistent with those used by principal market participants. For the market approach, since quoted market prices are usually not available, we utilize market multiples of revenue and earnings derived from comparable publicly traded industrial gases companies.
During the fourth quarter of 2023, a trend of adverse financial performance triggered an impairment analysis of our investment in our European PO joint venture. We concluded the asset was impaired and recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $192 million. The fair value of our investment in the joint venture was determined using an income approach which utilized unobservable inputs, which generally consist of market information provided by unrelated third parties. Our fair value estimate was based on significant assumptions including management’s best estimates of the expected future cash flows. These estimates required considerable judgment and are sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions such as future commodity prices and PO/SM margins. As a result, there can be no assurance that the estimates and assumptions made for purposes of our impairment determination will prove to be an accurate prediction of the future.
An estimate of the sensitivity to net income resulting from impairment calculations is not practicable, given the numerous assumptions, including pricing, volumes, discount rates, and market information provided by unrelated third parties that can materially affect our estimates. That is, unfavorable adjustments to some of the above listed assumptions may be offset by favorable adjustments in other assumptions.
Goodwill—As of December 31, 2024, we had goodwill of $1,561 million, primarily relating to the acquisition of A. Schulman Inc. in 2018 and the tax effect of the differences between the tax and book basis of our assets and liabilities resulting from the revaluation of those assets and liabilities to fair value in connection with the Company’s emergence from bankruptcy and fresh-start accounting in 2010.
Effective January 1, 2023, our Catalloy and polybutene-1 businesses were moved from our APS segment and reintegrated into our O&P-Americas and O&P-EAI segments. When moved, a portion of the APS reporting unit’s goodwill was allocated to the O&P-Americas and O&P-EAI segments based on the fair values of the businesses that were reintegrated relative to the fair value of the APS segment. In the first quarter of 2023, we evaluated goodwill for impairment immediately before and after the transfer of these businesses. Our evaluation resulted in the recognition of a non-cash goodwill impairment of $252 million recognized in our APS segment. See Notes 7 and 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
49
Table of Contents
An estimate of the sensitivity to net income resulting from impairment calculations is not practicable, given the numerous assumptions, including pricing, volumes and discount rates, which could materially affect our estimates. That is, unfavorable adjustments to some of the above listed assumptions may be offset by favorable adjustments in other assumptions.
We evaluate the recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the goodwill of a reporting unit may not be fully recoverable. We have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Qualitative factors assessed for each of the reporting units include, but are not limited to, changes in long-term commodity prices, discount rates, competitive environments, planned capacity, cost factors such as raw material prices, and financial performance of the reporting units. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, a quantitative test is required.
We also have the option to proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test. Under the quantitative impairment test, the fair value of each reporting unit, calculated using a discounted cash flow model, is compared to its carrying value, including goodwill. The discounted cash flow model inherently utilizes a significant number of estimates and assumptions, including operating margins, tax rates, discount rates, capital expenditures and working capital changes. If the carrying value of the reporting unit including goodwill exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge equal to the excess would be recognized, up to a maximum amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, we performed a qualitative impairment assessment of our reporting units, which indicated that it was more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units was greater than their carrying value including goodwill. Accordingly, a quantitative goodwill impairment test was not required.
In the fourth quarter of 2023, management performed a quantitative impairment assessment for our reporting units within our APS segment and a qualitative impairment assessment of our other reporting units, which indicated that the fair values of our reporting units were greater than their carrying values, including goodwill. Based on this assessment, our historical assessment for impairment, and forecasted demand for our products, a quantitative goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter was not necessary.
Long-Term Employee Benefit Costs—Our costs for long-term employee benefits, particularly pension and other post-retirement medical and life insurance benefits, are incurred over long periods of time, and involve many uncertainties over those periods. The net periodic benefit cost attributable to current periods is based on several assumptions about such future uncertainties and is sensitive to changes in those assumptions. It is management’s responsibility, often with the assistance of independent experts, to select assumptions that in its judgment represent its best estimates of the future effects of those uncertainties and to review those assumptions periodically to reflect changes in economic or other factors.
The current benefit service costs, as well as the existing liabilities, for pensions and other post-retirement benefits are measured on a discounted present value basis. The discount rate is a current rate, related to the rate at which the liabilities could be settled. Our assumed discount rate is based on yield information for high-quality corporate bonds with durations comparable to the expected cash settlement of our obligations. For the purpose of measuring the benefit obligations at December 31, 2024, we used a weighted average discount rate of 5.35% for the U.S. plans, which reflects the different terms of the related benefit obligations. The weighted average discount rate used to measure obligations for non-U.S. plans at December 31, 2024, was 3.66%, reflecting market interest rates. The discount rates in effect at December 31, 2024 will be used to measure net periodic benefit cost during 2025.
The benefit obligation and the net periodic benefit cost of other post-retirement medical benefits are also measured based on assumed rates of future increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits. As of December 31, 2024, the assumed rate of increase for our U.S. plans was 6.5%, decreasing to 4.5% in 2033 and thereafter.
The net periodic benefit cost of pension benefits included in expense is affected by the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption. Investment returns that are recognized currently in net income represent the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets applied to a market-related value of plan assets, which is defined as the market value of assets. The expected rate of return on plan assets is a longer-term rate and is expected to change less frequently than the current assumed discount rate, reflecting long-term market expectations, rather than current fluctuations in market conditions.
50
Table of Contents
The weighted average expected long-term rate of return on assets in our U.S. plans of 7.25% is based on the average level of earnings that our independent pension investment advisor advised could be expected to be earned over time. The weighted average expected long-term rate of return on assets in our non-U.S. plans of 4.14% is based on expectations and asset allocations that vary by region. The asset allocations are summarized in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The actual rate of return on plan assets may differ from the expected rate due to the volatility normally experienced in capital markets. Management’s goal is to manage the investments over the long term to achieve optimal returns with an acceptable level of risk and volatility.
Net periodic pension cost recognized each year includes the expected asset earnings, rather than the actual earnings or loss. Along with other gains and losses, this unrecognized amount, to the extent it cumulatively exceeds 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market related value of the plan assets for the respective plan, is recognized as additional net periodic benefit cost over the average remaining service period of the participants in each plan.
The following table reflects the sensitivity of the benefit obligations and the net periodic benefit costs of our pension plans to changes in the actuarial assumptions:
Effects onBenefit Obligationsin 2024 Effects on NetPeriodic PensionCosts in 2025
Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S.
Projected benefit obligations at December 31, 2024 $ 1,232 $ 1,389 $ — $ —
Projected net periodic pension costs in 2025 — — 59 54
Discount rate increases by 100 basis points (101) (176) (7) (5)
The sensitivity of our post-retirement benefit plans obligations and net periodic benefit costs to changes in actuarial assumptions are reflected in the following table:
Effects onBenefit Obligationsin 2024 Effects on NetPeriodic BenefitCosts in 2025
Millions of dollars U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S.
Projected benefit obligations at December 31, 2024 $ 139 $ 52 $ — $ —
Projected net periodic benefit costs in 2025 — — (1) 3
Discount rate increases by 100 basis points (10) (10) (1) (1)
Discount rate decreases by 100 basis points 11 13 1 1
Additional information on the key assumptions underlying these benefit costs appears in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Accruals for Taxes Based on Income—The determination of our provision for income taxes and the calculation of our tax benefits and liabilities is subject to management’s estimates and judgments due to the complexity of the tax laws and regulations in the tax jurisdictions in which we operate. Uncertainties exist with respect to interpretation of these complex laws and regulations.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse.
51
Table of Contents
We recognize future tax benefits to the extent that the realization of these benefits is more likely than not. Our current provision for income taxes is impacted by the recognition and release of valuation allowances related to net deferred tax assets in certain jurisdictions. Further changes to these valuation allowances may impact our future provision for income taxes, which will include no tax benefit with respect to losses incurred and no tax expense with respect to income generated in these countries until the respective valuation allowance is eliminated.
We recognize the financial statement benefits with respect to an uncertain income tax position that we have taken or may take on an income tax return when we believe it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained with the tax authorities.
ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING CHANGES
For a discussion of the potential impact of new accounting pronouncements on our Consolidated Financial Statements, see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
52
Table of Contents
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of our management of commodity price risk, foreign exchange risk and interest rate risk.
Commodity Price Risk—Prices for our products and raw materials are subject to changes in supply and demand. Natural gas, crude oil, utilities, and refined products, along with feedstocks for ethylene and propylene production, constitute the main commodity exposures. Pricing terms in our raw material contracts are generally indexed to market prices. Changes in market prices for raw materials generally correlate with market prices for our products. In certain sales contracts, we may negotiate pricing terms to better align with changes in raw material costs. We also selectively enter commodity swap, option and futures contracts to manage commodity price risk. We estimate that a 10% change in commodity prices as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, would change the fair value of our commodity derivative contracts by approximately $45 million and $36 million, respectively.
Foreign Exchange Risk—We manufacture and market our products in many countries throughout the world and, as a result, are exposed to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. Many of our operating entities use the euro as their functional currency. Translation adjustments are deferred in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
We enter into foreign currency derivatives that are designated as net investment hedges to reduce the volatility in Shareholders’ equity resulting from translation adjustments associated with our net investments in foreign operations. We also enter into foreign currency contracts that are designated as cash flow hedges to manage the variability in cash flows associated with intercompany debt balances. The table below illustrates the impact on other comprehensive income (loss) of a 10% fluctuation in the foreign currency rate associated with the hedges at December 31:
Net investment hedges:
Cross currency basis swaps € 617 € 617 euro/U.S. dollar rate $ 65 $ 70
Cross currency swaps € 750 € 750 euro/U.S. dollar rate $ 77 $ 81
Forward exchange contracts € 1,550 € 1,550 euro/U.S. dollar rate $ 158 $ 165
Cash flow hedges:
Cross currency swaps € 268 € 1,052 euro/U.S. dollar rate $ 29 $ 117
Some of our consolidated entities enter transactions that are not denominated in their functional currency. This results in exposure to foreign currency risk for financial instruments, including, but not limited to, third-party and intercompany receivables and payables and intercompany loans.
Our policy is to maintain a balanced position in foreign currencies to minimize exchange gains and losses arising from changes in exchange rates. We maintain risk management control practices to monitor the foreign currency risk attributable to our inter-company and third party outstanding foreign currency balances. These practices involve the centralization of our exposure to underlying currencies that are not subject to central bank and/or country specific restrictions. By centralizing most of our foreign currency exposure into one subsidiary, we are able to take advantage of natural offsets thereby reducing the overall impact of changes in foreign currency rates on our earnings.
To minimize the effects of our net currency exchange exposures, we enter into forward exchange contracts and cross-currency swaps. We also engage in short-term forward exchange contracts to manage our net exposure to foreign currencies as economic hedges. Changes in the fair value of these foreign currency contracts are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income and offset the currency exchange results recognized on foreign currency balances.
53
Table of Contents
Other income (expense), net, in the Consolidated Statements of Income reflects net foreign currency gains of $15 million and losses of $34 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, our foreign currency contracts that are accounted for as economic hedges mature between January 2025 and October 2025, inclusively, and have an aggregate notional amount of $772 million. A 10% fluctuation compared to the U.S. dollar would have resulted in an additional impact to earnings of approximately $68 million and $21 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Interest Rate Risk—We are exposed to interest rate risk with respect to our fixed-rate and variable-rate debt. Fluctuations in interest rates impact the fair value of fixed-rate debt and expose us to the risk that we may need to refinance debt at higher rates. Fluctuations in interest rates impact interest expense from our variable-rate debt. To minimize earnings at risk as part of our interest rate risk management strategy, we may target to maintain floating-rate debt, through the use of interest rate swaps and issuance of variable-rate debt, equal to our cash and cash equivalents, as those assets earn interest based on floating-rates.
Pre-issuance interest rate—To mitigate the risk that benchmark interest rates may increase in connection with future financing activities, we adopted a pre-issuance interest rate strategy, under which we entered forward-starting interest rate swaps that were designated as cash flow hedges. There were no open forward-starting interest rate swaps contracts at December 31, 2024.
Fixed-rate debt—We may enter into interest rate swaps that effectively convert a portion of our fixed-rate debt to variable-rate debt. These interest rate swaps are designated as fair value hedges. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the total notional amount of these interest rate swaps was$2,158 million and $2,171 million, respectively.
At December 31, 2024, after giving consideration to the fixed-rate debt that we have effectively converted to variable-rate debt, approximately 81% of our debt portfolio, on a gross basis, incurred interest at a fixed-rate and the remaining 19% of the portfolio incurred interest at a variable-rate. We estimate that a 10% change in market interest rates as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, would change the fair value of these interest rate swaps by approximately $24 million and $14 million, respectively.
Variable-rate debt—At December 31, 2024, we have no borrowings under our Commercial Paper Program. We also have available borrowing capacity under our $3,750 million Senior Revolving Credit Facility and our $900 million U.S. Receivables Facility. At December 31, 2024, there were no outstanding borrowings under these facilities. Based on our average variable-rate debt outstanding per year, we estimate that a 10% change in market interest rates as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 would not materially impact the fair value of these facilities.
54
Table of Contents
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Index to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Page
LYONDELLBASELL INDUSTRIES N.V.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting 56
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 238) 57
Consolidated Financial Statements:
Consolidated Statements of Income 59
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 60
Consolidated Balance Sheets 61
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 63
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity 65
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 66
55
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL
OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management of the Company, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
We conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 based on the Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. Based on our evaluation, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2024.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.
56
Table of Contents
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of LyondellBasell Industries N.V.
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of LyondellBasell Industries N.V. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the related consolidated statements of income, of comprehensive income, of shareholders' equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the "consolidated financial statements"). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
57
Table of Contents
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Taxation - Provisions for unrecognized tax benefits
As described in Notes 2, 9, 10,and 16 to the consolidated financial statements, as of December 31, 2024, the Company has recorded an income tax provision of $ 240 million, income tax receivables of $79 million, income tax payables of $311 million, and net deferred tax liabilities of $2,276 million related to which they have reported $236 million of unrecognized tax benefits. The Company operates in multiple jurisdictions throughout the world, and its tax returns are periodically audited or subjected to review by tax authorities. As a result, there is an uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Management recognizes uncertain income tax positions when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the position or a portion thereof will be sustained upon examination. As disclosed by management, there continues to be increased attention to the tax practices of multinational companies, in particular in the U.S. and Europe where the Company operates.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the provision for unrecognized tax benefits is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management when determining provisions for unrecognized tax benefits, including a high degree of estimation uncertainty relative to the complexity of tax laws, frequency of tax audits, and potential for adjustments as a result of such tax audits; (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in performing procedures and evaluating management’s timely identification of tax uncertainties; and (iii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the identification and recognition of the liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and controls addressing completeness of the uncertain tax positions. These procedures also included, among others (i) testing management’s assessment of the technical merits of tax positions and estimates of the amount of tax benefit expected to be sustained; (ii) testing the completeness of management’s assessment of both the identification and possible outcomes of uncertain tax positions; and (iii) evaluating the status and results of tax audits with the relevant tax authorities. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in evaluating the completeness of the Company’s uncertain tax positions, including evaluating the reasonableness of management’s assessment of whether tax positions are more likely than not of being sustained and the amount of potential benefit to be realized, as well as the determination and the application of relevant tax laws.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Houston, Texas
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2008.
58
Table of Contents
LYONDELLBASELL INDUSTRIES N.V.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Year Ended December 31,
Millions of dollars, except earnings per share 2024 2023 2022
Sales and other operating revenues:
Operating costs and expenses:
Selling, general and administrative expenses 1,663 1,557 1,310
Gain on sale of business 284 — —
Other income (expense), net 50 (58) (72)
(Loss) income from equity investments (217) (20) 5
Income from continuing operations before income taxes 1,603 2,627 4,776
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 4 (5) (5)
Dividends on redeemable non-controlling interests (7) (7) (7)
Net income attributable to the Company shareholders $ 1,360 $ 2,114 $ 3,882
Earnings per share:
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company shareholders —
Basic:
Diluted:
See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
59
Table of Contents
LYONDELLBASELL INDUSTRIES N.V.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Year Ended December 31,
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax—
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans (2) (97) 346
Foreign currency translations (169) 73 (123)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (56) (104) 431
Dividends on redeemable non-controlling interests (7) (7) (7)
See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
60
Table of Contents
LYONDELLBASELL INDUSTRIES N.V.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,375 $ 3,390
Restricted cash 13 15
Accounts receivable:
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 928 1,475
See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
61
Table of Contents
LYONDELLBASELL INDUSTRIES N.V.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,
Millions of dollars, except shares and par value data 2024 2023
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt $ 498 $ 782
Accounts payable:
Accrued and other current liabilities 2,356 2,436
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable non-controlling interests 114 114
Shareholders’ equity:
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1,532) (1,476)
Total Company share of shareholders’ equity 12,462 12,930
Non-controlling interests 12 14
See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
62
Table of Contents
LYONDELLBASELL INDUSTRIES N.V.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31,
Cash flows from operating activities:
Amortization of debt-related costs 11 9 14
Share-based compensation 91 91 70
Equity investments—
Equity loss (income) 217 20 (5)
Distributions of earnings, net of tax 122 169 349
Deferred income tax provision (benefit) (437) 43 369
Gain on sale of business (284) — —
Changes in assets and liabilities that provided (used) cash:
Cash flows from investing activities:
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (1,839) (1,531) (1,890)
Proceeds from sale of business 689 — 15
Acquisition of equity method investments (551) (102) (4)
Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedges 967 903 614
Payments for settlement of net investment hedges (921) (820) (501)
Net cash used in investing activities (1,853) (1,777) (1,977)
See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
63
Table of Contents
LYONDELLBASELL INDUSTRIES N.V.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31,
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repurchases of Company ordinary shares $ (195) $ (211) $ (420)
Issuance of long-term debt 744 500 —
Payments of debt issuance costs (10) (5) —
Repayments of long-term debt (776) (425) —
Net repayments of commercial paper — (200) (4)
Net collateral received from interest rate derivatives — — 238
Proceeds from settlement of cash flow hedges 882 20 —
Payments for settlement of cash flow hedges (835) — —
Net cash used in financing activities (1,895) (1,950) (3,407)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (88) 34 (56)
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest $ 503 $ 487 $ 297
See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
64
Table of Contents
LYONDELLBASELL INDUSTRIES N.V.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Millions of dollars Issued Treasury
Other comprehensive income — — — — 431 431 —
Share-based compensation — 25 75 (4) — 96 —
Dividends - common stock ($4.70 per share) — — — (1,542) — (1,542) —
Special dividends - common stock ($5.20 per share) — — — (1,704) — (1,704) —
Repurchases of Company ordinary shares — (406) — — — (406) —
Other comprehensive loss — — — — (104) (104) —
Dividends - common stock ($4.94 per share) — — — (1,610) — (1,610) —
Repurchases of Company ordinary shares — (211) — — — (211) —
Other comprehensive loss — — — — (56) (56) —
Share-based compensation — 148 5 (7) — 146 —
Dividends - common stock ($5.27 per share) — — — (1,720) — (1,720) —
Repurchases of Company ordinary shares — (198) — — — (198) —
Distributions to non-controlling interests — — — — — — (2)
See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
65
Table of Contents
LYONDELLBASELL INDUSTRIES N.V.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1. Description of Company and Operations 67
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 67
4. Related Party Transactions 77
5. Accounts Receivable 78
6. Inventories 78
7. Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill and Intangible Assets 79
8. Equity Investments 82
9. Prepaid Expenses, Other Current Assets and Other Assets 84
10. Accrued and Other Current Liabilities 84
13. Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements 89
14. Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefits 94
15. Incentive and Share-Based Compensation 105
17. Commitments and Contingencies 114
18. Shareholders’ Equity and Redeemable Non-controlling Interests 115
20. Segment and Related Information 120
66
Table of Contents
LYONDELLBASELL INDUSTRIES N.V.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Description of Company and Operations
LyondellBasell Industries N.V. is a limited liability company (Naamloze Vennootschap) incorporated under Dutch law by deed of incorporation dated October 15, 2009. Unless otherwise indicated, the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” or similar words are used to refer to LyondellBasell Industries N.V. together with its consolidated subsidiaries (“LyondellBasell N.V.”).
LyondellBasell N.V. is a worldwide manufacturer of chemicals and polymers, a refiner of crude oil, a significant producer of gasoline blending components and a developer and licensor of technologies for the production of polymers.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Preparation and Consolidation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared from the books and records of LyondellBasell N.V. under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). Subsidiaries are defined as being those companies over which we, either directly or indirectly, have control through a majority of the voting rights or the right to exercise control or to obtain the majority of the benefits and be exposed to the majority of the risks. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which control is obtained until the date that such control ceases. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Our cash equivalents consist of highly liquid debt instruments such as certificates of deposit, commercial paper and money market accounts with major international banks and financial institutions. Cash equivalents also include other instruments with maturities of three months or less when acquired and exclude restricted cash.
Short-Term Investments
Our investments in debt securities are classified as available-for-sale and held-to-maturity on the basis of our intent and ability to hold the investments. Investments classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value with changes reflected in other comprehensive income (loss). Credit-related impairments, measured using expected cash flows and limited to the amount by which the amortized cost basis of a security exceeds its fair value, are recognized through an allowance for expected credit losses, and adjusted subsequently if conditions change, with a corresponding impact in earnings. Where there is an intention or a requirement to sell an impaired available-for-sale debt security, the entire impairment is recognized in earnings with a corresponding adjustment to the amortized cost basis of the security.
Investments classified as held-to-maturity are carried at amortized cost less allowance for credit losses recorded through Net income.
Trade Receivables
Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business and are carried at transaction price net of allowance for credit losses. Allowance for credit losses is measured using historical loss rates for the respective risk categories and incorporating forward-looking estimates. The corresponding expense for the loss allowance is reflected in Selling, general and administrative expenses.
Inventories
Cost of our raw materials, work-in-progress and finished goods inventories is determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method and is carried at the lower of cost or market value. Cost of our materials and supplies inventory is determined using the average cost method and is carried at the lower of cost and net realizable value.
Inventory exchange transactions, which involve fungible commodities, are not accounted for as purchases and sales. Any resulting volumetric exchange balances are accounted for as inventory, with cost determined using the LIFO method.
67
Table of Contents
LYONDELLBASELL INDUSTRIES N.V.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at historical cost. Historical cost includes expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the items. Costs may also include borrowing costs incurred on debt during construction of major projects exceeding one year, costs of major maintenance arising from turnarounds of major units and legally obligated decommissioning costs. Routine maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of assets to their residual values. The residual values and useful lives of assets are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, whenever events or circumstances indicate that a revision is warranted. Land is not depreciated.
We evaluate property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets, which, for us, is generally at the plant group level (or, at times, individual plants in certain circumstances where we have isolated production units with separately identifiable cash flows). If it is determined that an asset or asset group’s carrying value exceeded its estimated fair value, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value.
Equity Investments
We account for equity method investments (“equity investments”) using the equity method of accounting if we have the ability to exercise significant influence over, but do not control, an investee. Significant influence generally exists if we have an ownership interest representing between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. Under the equity method of accounting, investments are stated initially at cost and are adjusted for subsequent additional investments and our proportionate share of profit or losses and distributions.
We record our share of the profits or losses of the equity investments, net of income taxes, in the Consolidated Statements of Income. When our share of losses in an equity investment equals or exceeds the carrying amount of our investment including advances made by us, we do not recognize further losses, unless we have guaranteed obligations or are otherwise committed to provide further financial support to the investee.
We discontinue applying equity method accounting when our investment is reduced to zero. We record equity losses in excess of the carrying amount of an investment only when we guarantee obligations or we are otherwise committed to provide further financial support to the affiliate. Equity method of accounting is resumed only after the investment realizes net income in excess of our share of net losses not recognized during the period equity method was suspended.
We assess our equity investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investment may not be recoverable. If the decline in value is considered to be other-than-temporary, the investment is written down to its estimated fair value.
Investments in PO Joint Ventures and the Louisiana Joint Venture—We share ownership with Covestro PO LLC, a subsidiary of Covestro AG (collectively “Covestro”), in a U.S. propylene oxide (“PO”) joint venture located in Texas (the “U.S. PO Joint Venture”) and a PO/styrene monomer (“SM” or “styrene”) joint venture located in The Netherlands (the “European PO Joint Venture”, collectively the “PO Joint Ventures”). We operate the PO Joint Ventures manufacturing facilities and arrange the logistics of product delivery. Each partner funds their share of capital expenditures, reimburses manufacturing operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expenses, and receives a share of production in-kind.
The U.S. PO Joint Venture owns a PO/SM and a PO/tertiary butyl alcohol (“TBA”) plant. Covestro’s interest in the U.S. PO Joint Venture represents ownership of an in-kind portion of the PO production of 680 thousand tons per year. We take, in-kind, the remaining PO production and all co-product production.
The European PO Joint Venture owns a PO/SM plant in which each partner is entitled to 50% of the annual in-kind cost-based PO and SM production.
68
Table of Contents
LYONDELLBASELL INDUSTRIES N.V.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
We share ownership in the Louisiana Integrated PolyEthylene JV LLC joint venture (the “Louisiana Joint Venture”) with Sasol Chemicals (USA) LLC (“Sasol”). Under this arrangement, we have a 50% ownership interest in an ethane cracker, a low-density and linear-low density polyethylene plant, and associated infrastructure. Under the terms of the joint venture agreement, each partner provides pro-rata share of ethane feedstocks and off-takes pro-rata shares of cracker and polyethylene products in-kind. We operate the Louisiana Joint Venture assets and market the polyethylene off-take for all partners through our global sales team.
We account for the PO Joint Ventures and the Louisiana Joint Venture using the equity method. The joint ventures were formed solely for the benefit of the partners and do not manufacture for any other parties. We report the cost of our product off-take as Inventory and the equity loss as Cost of sales in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Related production cash flows are reported in the operating cash flow section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Our equity investment in the PO Joint Ventures and the Louisiana Joint Venture represents our share of the manufacturing plants and is decreased by recognition of our share of equity loss, which is equal to the depreciation of the assets of these joint ventures. Other changes in the investment balance are principally due to our additional capital contributions to these joint ventures to fund capital expenditures. Such contributions are reported in the investing cash flow section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Our product off-take of PO and its co-products from the PO Joint Ventures was 2.0 million, 2.2 million and 2.4 million tons in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our product off-take of ethylene and polyethylene produced from the Louisiana Joint Venture was 1.1 million, 1.2 million, and 1.0 million tons in 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
Redeemable Non-controlling Interests
Our redeemable non-controlling interests relate to shares of cumulative perpetual special stock (“redeemable non-controlling interest stock”) issued by our consolidated subsidiary, formerly known as A. Schulman, Inc. (“A. Schulman”). Holders of redeemable non-controlling interest stock are entitled to receive cumulative dividends at the rate of 6% per share and the liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. Redeemable non-controlling interest stock may be redeemed at any time at the discretion of the holders and is reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets outside of permanent equity. Dividends on these shares are deducted from or added to the amount of Income (loss) attributable to the Company shareholders if and when declared by the Company.
Goodwill
Goodwill is tested for impairment annually in the fourth quarter or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit with goodwill is less than its carrying amount. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Qualitative factors assessed for each of the reporting units include, but are not limited to, changes in long-term commodity prices, discount rates, competitive environments, planned capacity, cost factors such as raw material prices, and financial performance of the reporting units. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a quantitative test is required. If the carrying value of the reporting unit including goodwill exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge equal to the excess would be recognized up to a maximum amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, we performed a qualitative impairment assessment of our reporting units, which indicated that it was more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units was greater than their carrying value including goodwill. Accordingly, a quantitative goodwill impairment test was not required.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets consist of emission allowances, various contracts, software costs, patents and trademarks, know-how, and in-process research and development costs. These assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives or over the term of the related agreement. We evaluate definite-lived intangible assets with the associated long-lived asset group for impairment whenever impairment indicators are present.
69
Table of Contents
LYONDELLBASELL INDUSTRIES N.V.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Research and Development
Research and development (“R&D”) costs are expensed when incurred. Subsidies for R&D are included in Other income (expense), net. Depreciation expense related to assets employed in R&D is included as a cost of R&D.
Income Taxes
The income tax for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income, except to the extent that it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) or directly in equity. In these cases, the applicable tax amount is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) or directly in equity, respectively.
Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts recognized for income tax purposes, as well as the net tax effects of net operating loss carryforwards. Valuation allowances are provided against deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
We recognize uncertain income tax positions in our financial statements when we believe it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the position or a portion thereof will be sustained upon examination. For a position that is more likely than not to be sustained, the benefit recognized is measured at the largest cumulative amount that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized.
Other Provisions
Environmental Remediation Costs—Environmental remediation liabilities include liabilities related to sites we currently own, sites we no longer own, as well as sites where we have operated that belong to other parties. Liabilities for anticipated expenditures related to investigation and remediation of contaminated sites are accrued when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Only certain post-remediation monitoring costs, the timing of which can be determined with reasonable certainty, are discounted to present value.
Asset Retirement Obligations—At some sites, we are legally obligated to decommission our plants upon site exit. Asset retirement obligations are recorded at the fair value using the present value of the estimated costs to retire the asset at the time the obligation is incurred. That cost, which is capitalized as part of the related long-lived asset, is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the remaining useful life of the related asset. Accretion expense in connection with the discounted liability is recognized over the estimated timeline to settle the obligation. Such depreciation and accretion expenses are included in Cost of sales.
Foreign Currency Translation and Remeasurement
Functional and Reporting Currency—Items included in the financial information of each of LyondellBasell N.V.’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (“the functional currency”) and then translated to the U.S. dollar (“the reporting currency”) as follows:
•Assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of that balance sheet;
•Income and expenses for each income statement are translated at monthly average exchange rates; and
•All resulting exchange differences are recognized as a separate component within other comprehensive income (loss) (foreign currency translation adjustments).
Transactions and Balances—Foreign currency transactions are recorded in their respective functional currency using exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are recognized in earnings.
70
Table of Contents
LYONDELLBASELL INDUSTRIES N.V.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Revenue Recognition
Substantially all our revenues are derived from contracts with customers. We account for contracts when both parties have approved the contract and are committed to perform, the rights of the parties and payment terms have been identified, the contract has commercial substance and collectability is probable.
Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied. This generally occurs at the point in time when performance obligations are fulfilled and control transfers to the customer. In most instances, control transfers upon transfer of risk of loss and title to the customer, which usually occurs when we ship products to the customer from our manufacturing facility. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods. Customer incentives are generally based on volumes purchased and recognized over the period earned. Sales, value-added, and other taxes that we collect concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from the transaction price as they represent amounts collected on behalf of third parties. We apply the practical expedient to recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that we otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. Shipping and handling costs are treated as a fulfillment cost and not as a separate performance obligation.
We have marketing arrangements to off-take and sell the production of some of our joint ventures in return for a percentage of the price realized on the sales to the end customer. In such arrangements, when we obtain control of the product, revenue and cost of sales are presented on a gross basis. Otherwise, we recognize revenue, net of amounts due to the joint venture, which represents commissions earned.
Payments are typically required within a short period following the transfer of control of the product to the customer. We occasionally require customers to prepay purchases to ensure collectability. Such prepayments do not represent financing arrangements, since payment occurs within a short time frame. We apply the practical expedient which permits us to disregard the effects of a significant financing component when, at contract inception, we expect the period between the payment and fulfillment of the performance obligation will be one year or less.
Contract balances typically arise when a difference in timing between the transfer of control to the customer and receipt of consideration occurs. Our contract liabilities, which are reflected in our Consolidated Financial Statements as Accrued and other current liabilities, and Other liabilities, consist primarily of customer payments for products or services received before the transfer of control to the customer occurs.
Share-Based Compensation
We grant restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance share units (“PSUs”), and other cash and stock awards to employees as a form of compensation. Prior to 2024, we also granted stock option awards (“Stock options”). Our share-based compensation awards are accounted for as equity-classified awards with compensation expense based on the grant date fair value and recognized over the vesting period in the income statement. We use a straight-line vesting method for cliff-vested awards and a graded vesting method for ratable-vested awards. We have elected to recognize forfeitures as they occur for stock-based compensation. When options are exercised and awards are paid out, shares are issued from our treasury shares. The holders of unvested RSUs are entitled to nonforfeitable dividend equivalents settled in the form of cash payments, which are recognized as dividends in Retained earnings. Outstanding PSUs accrue dividend equivalent units, which will be converted to shares upon payment at the end of the performance period and are classified as Accrued and other current liabilities and Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Dividend equivalents for PSUs are also recorded in Retained earnings. See Notes 15 and 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
71
Table of Contents
LYONDELLBASELL INDUSTRIES N.V.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Leases
Leases with a term longer than 12 months are recorded on the balance sheet as a lease asset and lease liability. If at inception of a contract, a lease is identified, we recognize a lease asset and a corresponding lease liability based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term, discounted using our incremental borrowing rate, unless an implicit rate is readily determinable. Lease payments include fixed and variable lease components derived from usage or market-based indices, such as the consumer price index. Other variable lease payments may fluctuate for a variety of reasons including usage, output, insurance or taxes. These variable amounts are expensed as incurred and not included in the lease assets or lease liabilities. Options to extend or terminate a lease are reflected in the lease payments and lease term when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise those options. Leases are classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The majority of our leases are operating leases for which we recognize lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We apply the practical expedient to account for lease and associated non-lease components as a single lease component for all asset classes with the exception of utilities and pipeline assets within major manufacturing equipment. For these assets, non-lease components are separated from lease components and accounted for as normal operating expenses. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities
Pursuant to our risk management policies, we selectively enter into derivative transactions to manage market risk volatility associated with changes in commodity pricing, currency exchange rates and interest rates. Certain derivatives used for this purpose are designated as net investment hedges, cash flow hedges or fair value hedges. Derivative instruments are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet. Gains and losses related to changes in the fair value of derivative instruments not designated as hedges are recorded in earnings.
Cash flows from derivatives designated as hedges are reported in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows under the same category as the cash flows from the hedged items unless the derivative contract contains a significant financing element. Cash flows for derivatives with a significant financing element are classified as Cash flows from financing activities. Cash flows related to economic hedges are classified consistent with the cash flows of the economic hedged items.
Net Investment Hedges—We enter into foreign currency derivatives and foreign currency denominated debt to reduce the volatility in shareholders’ equity resulting from changes in currency exchange rates of our foreign subsidiaries with respect to the U.S. dollar. Our foreign currency derivatives consist of cross-currency contracts and forward exchange contracts.
We use the critical terms approach through the application of the spot method to assess hedge effectiveness at least quarterly. For derivatives designated as net investment hedges, gains or losses attributable to changes in spot foreign exchange rates over the designation period are reflected in foreign currency translation adjustments within other comprehensive income (loss). Recognition in earnings is delayed until the net investment is sold or liquidated. At that time, the amount recognized is reported in the same line item as the gain or loss on the liquidation of the hedged foreign operations. For our cross-currency swaps, the associated interest receipts and payments are recorded in Interest expense. For our foreign currency forward contracts, we amortize initial forward point values on a straight-line basis to interest expense over the life of the hedging instrument. We monitor on a quarterly basis for any over-hedged positions requiring de-designation and re-designation of the hedge to remove such over-hedged condition.
Cash Flow Hedges—We enter into cash flow hedges to manage the variability in cash flows of a future transaction. Our cash flow hedges include cross currency swaps, forward starting interest rate swaps and commodity swaps. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the gains and losses are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and released to earnings in the same line item and in the same period during which the hedged item affects earnings.
We use the critical terms and the quantitative long-haul methods to assess hedge effectiveness and monitor, at least quarterly, any change in effectiveness.
72
Table of Contents
LYONDELLBASELL INDUSTRIES N.V.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
We have cross-currency swap contracts designated as cash flow hedges to reduce our exposure to the foreign currency exchange risk associated with certain intercompany loans. Under the terms of these contracts, we make interest payments in euros and receive interest in U.S. dollars. Upon the maturities of these contracts, we will pay the principal amount of the loans in euros and receive U.S. dollars from our counterparties.
We enter into forward-starting interest rate contracts to mitigate the risk of adverse changes in benchmark interest rates on future anticipated debt issuances.
We also execute commodity futures, options and swaps to manage the volatility of the commodity price related to anticipated purchases of raw materials and product sales. We enter into over-the-counter commodity swaps and options with one or more counterparties whereby we pay a predetermined fixed price and receive a price based on the average monthly rate of a specified index for the specified nominated volumes.
Fair Value Hedges—We use interest rate swaps as part of our current interest rate risk management strategy to achieve a desired proportion of variable versus fixed rate debt. Under these arrangements, we exchange fixed-rate for floating-rate interest payments to effectively convert our fixed-rate debt to floating-rate debt. For derivatives that have been designated as fair value hedges, the gains and losses of the derivatives and hedged items are recorded in earnings.
We use the long-haul method to assess hedge effectiveness using a regression analysis approach at least quarterly. We perform the regression analysis over an observation period of three years, utilizing data that is relevant to the hedge duration.
Fair Value Measurements
We categorize assets and liabilities, measured at fair value, into one of three different levels depending on the observability of the inputs employed in the measurement. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs or significant value-drivers are observable. Level 3 inputs are model-derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value-drivers are unobservable.
Fair value measurements are classified according to the lowest level input or value-driver that is significant to the valuation. A measurement may therefore be classified within Level 3 even though there may be significant inputs that are readily observable.
Changes in Fair Value Levels—Management reviews the disclosures regarding fair value measurements at least quarterly. If an instrument classified as Level 1 subsequently ceases to be actively traded, it is transferred out of Level 1. In such cases, instruments are reclassified as Level 2, unless the measurement of its fair value requires the use of significant unobservable inputs, in which case it is reclassified as Level 3.
We use the following inputs and valuation techniques to estimate the fair value of our financial instruments disclosed in Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Cross-Currency Swaps—The fair value of our cross-currency swaps is calculated using the present value of future cash flows discounted using observable inputs such as known notional value amounts, yield curves, basis curves, as applicable, and with the foreign currency leg revalued using published spot and forward exchange rates on the valuation date.
Forward-Starting and Fixed-for-Floating Interest Rate Swaps—The fair value of our forward-starting and fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps is calculated using the present value of future cash flows using observable inputs such as benchmark interest rates and market yield curves.
Commodity Derivatives—The fair values of our commodity derivatives are measured using closing market prices of public exchanges and from third-party broker quotes and pricing providers.
73
Table of Contents
LYONDELLBASELL INDUSTRIES N.V.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
The fair value of our commodity swaps classified as Level 2 is determined using a combination of observable and unobservable inputs. The observable inputs consist of future market values of various crude and heavy fuel oils, which are readily available through public data sources. The unobservable input, which is the estimated discount or premium used in the market pricing, is calculated using an internally-developed, multi-linear regression model based on the observable prices of the known components and their relationships to historical prices. A significant change in this unobservable input would not have a material impact on the fair value measurement of our Level 2 commodity swaps.
Forward Exchange Contracts—The fair value of our forward exchange contracts is based on forward market rates.
Equity Securities—The fair value of our investment in equity securities is based on the net asset value provided by the fund administrator.
Short-Term Debt—The fair value of short-term borrowings related to precious metal financing arrangements, accounted for as embedded derivatives, is determined based on the future price of the associated precious metal.
Long-Term Debt—The fair value of our senior and guaranteed notes is calculated using pricing data obtained from well-established and recognized vendors of market data for debt valuations.