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.”).
In February 2025, we ceased business operations at our Houston refinery. Accordingly, our refining business, previously disclosed as the Refining segment, is reported as a discontinued operation. The related operating results of our refining business are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
Discontinued operations also include costs associated with the closure and dismantlement of our Berre refinery.
The discussion summarizing the significant factors affecting the results of operations and financial condition for the year ended December 31, 2023 and for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023, except as impacted by the change for discontinued operations discussed above, 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, 2024, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2025, of which Item 7 is incorporated herein by reference.
OVERVIEW
Results from continuing operations for 2025 decreased when compared to 2024, primarily as a result of non-cash impairment charges recognized in 2025 in our Olefins and Polyolefins-Europe, Asia, International (“O&P-EAI”) and Advanced Polymer Solutions (“APS”) segments. Throughout 2025, petrochemical markets faced significant headwinds from global trade disruptions, falling oil prices and capacity additions which outpaced global demand growth. In our Olefins and Polyolefins-Americas (“O&P-Americas”) segment, polyethylene chain margins fell due to trade issues, higher feedstock costs and a well-supplied market. In our O&P-EAI segment, polymer margins declined throughout 2025 due to competition from imports, partially offset by lower feedstock costs. In our Intermediates and Derivatives (“I&D”) segment, new octane capacity pressured oxyfuels and related products margins through most of the summer driving season. Our APS segment delivered meaningful gains through margin improvement, portfolio optimization and increased business win rates.
In 2025, we agreed to sell certain European olefins and polyolefins assets and the associated business. The sale is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026. In connection with the sale, we expect to recognize a loss of approximately $700 million to $900 million upon closing, which includes a cash contribution of approximately $300 million to the sold businesses prior to closing.
During 2025, we generated $2.3 billion in cash from operating activities. We invested $1.9 billion in capital expenditures and returned $2.0 billion to shareholders through dividend payments and share repurchases.
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Results of operations for the periods discussed are presented in the table below.
Year Ended December 31,
Millions of dollars
Sales and other operating revenues
Cost of sales
Goodwill impairments
Other impairments
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Research and development expenses
Operating income (loss)
Interest expense
Interest income
Gain (loss) on sale of business
Other income (expense), net
Loss from equity investments
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
Provision for income taxes
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
Net income (loss)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax—
Financial derivatives
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans
Foreign currency translations
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Comprehensive income (loss)
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Revenues —Revenues decreased by $3,241 million, or 10%, in 2025 compared to 2024. Lower average sales prices for many of our products resulted in an 8% decrease in revenues, while lower sales volumes driven by lower demand led to a 4% decrease. These declines were partially offset by favorable foreign exchange impacts, which led to a 2% increase in revenues. Revenues were relatively flat in 2024 compared to 2023.
Cost of Sales —Cost of sales decreased by $1,174 million, or 4%, in 2025 compared to 2024, primarily due to lower feedstock and energy costs. In 2024, cost of sales increased by $315 million, or 1%, compared to 2023, mainly driven by higher feedstock and energy costs.
Fluctuations in our cost of sales are generally driven by changes in feedstock and energy costs. After giving consideration to the reclassification of the refinery business to discontinued operations, feedstock and energy costs represent approximately 70% of total annual cost of sales over the last three years. Other variable costs account for approximately 10% to 15%, while fixed operating costs, consisting primarily of expenses related to employee compensation, depreciation and amortization, and maintenance, account for the remainder.
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Impairments —In the third quarter of 2025, a prolonged downturn in, and outlook for, the European petrochemical and global automotive industries, particularly affecting our O&P-EAI and APS segments, combined with the sustained decline in our market capitalization, drove non-cash impairment charges of $1,182 million within these segments. Additionally, during 2025, we recognized other non-cash impairment charges of $69 million, primarily related to property, plant and equipment in our O&P-Americas and O&P-EAI segments.
During 2024, we recognized non-cash impairment charges of $949 million, primarily consisting of $892 million of property, plant and equipment impairments in our O&P-EAI and APS segments.
During 2023, we recognized non-cash impairment charges of $507 million, primarily consisting of a $252 million goodwill impairment charge in our APS segment and a $192 million impairment charge related to our European PO Joint Venture, recognized in our I&D segment.
See Notes 9 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding impairment charges.
SG&A Expenses —Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses decreased by $32 million, or 2%, in 2025 compared to 2024, with approximately 70% of the decrease attributable to lower professional fees and the remainder primarily driven by reduced spending on strategic projects. In 2024, SG&A expenses increased by $103 million, or 7%, compared to 2023, primarily due to higher employee-related expenses.
Operating Income (Loss) —Operating income decreased by $2,338 million, or 122%, in 2025 compared to 2024. In 2025, operating income for our O&P-Americas, APS, I&D and Technology segments decreased by $1,364 million, $695 million, $523 million and $201 million, respectively, compared to 2024. These decreases were partially offset by an increase of $324 million in our O&P EAI segment. Results for each of our business segments are discussed further in the Segment Analysis section below.
Operating income decreased by $807 million, or 30%, in 2024 compared to 2023. The decline was driven primarily by an $848 million decrease in our O&P‑EAI segment, largely reflecting an $837 million non‑cash impairment related to assets included in our European strategic review. Operating income in our I&D segment decreased by $311 million primarily due to lower oxyfuels and related products margins, partially offset by the absence of a $192 million impairment charge recognized in 2023. Results for our APS segment improved $213 million primarily due to impairment charges of $252 million recognized in 2023. Our O&P‑Americas segment improved $140 million driven by improved olefins margins. Operating income in our Technology segment increased by $4 million, reflecting higher licensing results.
Interest Income— Interest income decreased by $53 million, or 35%, in 2025 compared to 2024. Approximately 55% of the decrease was driven by lower average cash balances invested in short-term marketable securities, with the remainder due to lower average interest rates. Interest income increased $21 million, or 16%, in 2024 compared to 2023, primarily as a result of increased average cash balances invested in short-term marketable securities.
Gain (Loss) 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 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Other Income (Expense), Net —Other income increased by $66 million, or 140%, in 2025 compared to 2024, primarily due to a $67 million gain recognized on the sale of excess European emissions credits during 2025. In 2024, other income increased by $105 million, or 181%, compared to 2023. Approximately $50 million of this increase was due to the net impact of foreign exchange transactions, while the remaining increase was primarily attributable to the sale of precious metals and the impact of legal settlements, each contributing approximately $25 million.
Loss from Equity Investments —Results from equity investments increased by $205 million, or 94%, in 2025 compared to 2024, primarily due to the absence of a deferred tax valuation allowance charge and equity losses related to a Chinese joint venture in our O&P-EAI segment that were recognized in 2024.
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Income Taxes— Our effective income tax rates of (9.8)% in 2025 and 15.2% in 2024 resulted in tax expense of $70 million and $259 million, respectively. The lower effective tax rate for 2025 was primarily attributable to changes in earnings in countries with varying statutory tax rates, largely attributable to third quarter non-cash impairments decreasing the effective tax rate by 66.2 percentage points in comparison to 2024. This decrease was partially offset by increases in the effective tax rate related to fluctuations in foreign exchange gains and losses, coupled with the establishment of valuation allowances against deferred tax assets, which increased the effective tax rate by 24.4 percentage points and 23.2 percentage points, respectively.
Our effective income tax rates of 15.2% in 2024 and 18.8% in 2023 resulted in tax expense of $259 million and $433 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 4.7 percentage points in comparison to 2023. There was a further decrease in the effective tax rate of 1.8 percentage points related to fluctuations in foreign exchange gains and losses, partially offset by an increase in the effective tax rate of 2.5 percentage points related to reduced exempt income in 2024.
For additional information, see Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax— Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, increased by $122 million, or 163%, in 2025 compared to 2024. In 2025, we recognized a last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) benefit of $ 196 million, net of tax, resulting from the liquidation of low-cost inventory, and a gain on the sale of pipelines of approximately $24 million, net of tax. These benefits were partially offset by a decrease of $40 million in income from discontinued operations, net of tax, related to our Berre refinery, primarily due to the recognition of an environmental reserve in 2025. The remainder of the change was primarily driven by increased costs as we ceased business operations at our Houston refinery in February 2025.
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, decreased by $330 million, or 129%, in 2024 compared to 2023. Lower margins from our Houston refinery, driven by a decrease in the Maya 2-1-1 industry crack spread, resulted in a 225% decrease in results from discontinued operations compared to the prior period. A decrease in costs related to our exit from the refinery business resulted in a 61% benefit in Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax. The remainder of the change was primarily related to a decrease in income tax expense.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)— Comprehensive income (loss) decreased by $1,827 million in 2025 compared to 2024, primarily due to a decrease in net income (loss). The activities from the remaining components of Comprehensive income (loss) are discussed below.
Financial derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, primarily our commodity swaps, led to a decrease in Comprehensive income (loss) of $137 million in 2025 compared to 2024, reflecting commodity pricing volatility. Foreign currency translations increased Comprehensive income (loss) by $368 million in 2025 compared to 2024, primarily due to the weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to the euro in 2025, partially offset by the effective portion of our net investment hedges. See Notes 15, 16 and 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussions.
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Segment Analysis
We use net income (loss) 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 (loss) to EBITDA for each of the periods presented:
Year Ended December 31,
Millions of dollars
Net income (loss)
Provision for income taxes
Depreciation and amortization
Interest expense, net
EBITDA
Our continuing operations are managed through five reportable segments: O&P-Americas, O&P-EAI, I&D, APS and Technology. Revenues and other information for the periods presented are reflected in the tables below for our reportable segments:
Year Ended December 31,
Millions of dollars
Sales and other operating revenues:
O&P-Americas segment
O&P-EAI segment
I&D segment
APS segment
Technology segment
Other, including intersegment eliminations
Total
Operating income (loss):
O&P-Americas segment
O&P-EAI segment
I&D segment
APS segment
Technology segment
Other, including intersegment eliminations
Total
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Year Ended December 31,
Millions of dollars
Depreciation and amortization:
O&P-Americas segment
O&P-EAI segment
I&D segment
APS segment
Technology segment
Total
Income (loss) from equity investments:
O&P-Americas segment
O&P-EAI segment
I&D segment
Total
Impairments:
O&P-Americas segment
O&P-EAI segment
I&D segment
APS segment
Total
Gain (loss) on sale of business:
I&D segment
APS segment
Total
Other income (expense), net:
O&P-Americas segment
O&P-EAI segment
I&D segment
APS segment
Technology segment
Other, including intersegment eliminations
Total
EBITDA:
O&P-Americas segment
O&P-EAI segment
I&D segment
APS segment
Technology segment
Discontinued operations
Other, including intersegment eliminations
Total
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Olefins and Polyolefins-Americas Segment
Overview —EBITDA decreased in 2025 relative to 2024 primarily due to lower margins.
In calculating the impact of margin and volume on EBITDA, consistent with industry practice, we offset 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, 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% to 80% of the raw materials used in our North American crackers in 2025 and 2024.
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,
Millions of dollars
Sales and other operating revenues
Income from equity investments
EBITDA
Revenues —Revenues decreased by $1,732 million, or 15%, in 2025 compared to 2024. Lower average sales prices across most of our products, driven by a lower oil price environment and ample product supply, resulted in a 9% decrease in revenue. Lower volumes, driven by planned and unplanned outages, resulted in a 6% decrease in revenue.
EBITDA —EBITDA decreased by $1,301 million, or 53%, in 2025 compared to 2024. Lower olefins results led to a 36% decrease in EBITDA, primarily driven by lower margins from a decrease in co-product contribution. Lower polyethylene results led to a 16% decrease in EBITDA, primarily due to margin compression attributed to unfavorable macroeconomic conditions.
Olefins and Polyolefins-Europe, Asia, International Segment
Overview — Segment results were affected by impairment charges recognized in 2024 and 2025. Polymer margins weakened during 2025 as increased import competition created unfavorable market conditions.
In calculating the impact of margin and volume on EBITDA, consistent with industry practice, we offset 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 70% and 60% of the raw materials used in 2025 and 2024, respectively.
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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,
Millions of dollars
Sales and other operating revenues
Loss from equity investments
EBITDA
Revenues —Revenues decreased by $640 million, or 6%, in 2025 compared to 2024. Lower average sales prices, primarily as a result of a decrease in the price of naphtha, drove an 8% decrease in revenues. Lower volumes resulted in a 2% decrease in revenue, equally due to lower demand and unplanned downtime. Favorable foreign exchange impacts resulted in a 4% increase in revenue.
EBITDA —EBITDA increased by $534 million, or 54%, in 2025 compared to 2024. During 2025, we recognized a $400 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge related to a prolonged downturn in, and outlook for, the European petrochemical industry. During 2024, we recognized an $837 million non-cash impairment of property, plant and equipment related to our European assets included in our strategic review.
Additionally, results from equity investments resulted in a 17% increase in EBITDA, primarily as a result of the absence of both a deferred tax valuation allowance for a Chinese joint venture recognized during the fourth quarter of 2024 and related equity losses. The remaining decrease was primarily due to lower polymer margins, driven by lower spreads from unfavorable pricing from weaker demand.
Intermediates and Derivatives Segment
Overview —EBITDA decreased in 2025 compared to 2024 driven by lower oxyfuels and related products results, shutdown costs related to our European PO Joint Venture recognized in 2025, and the absence of a gain on sale of our EO&D business recognized in the second quarter of 2024.
The following table sets forth selected financial information for the I&D segment including Income (loss) from equity investments, which is a component of EBITDA.
Year Ended December 31,
Millions of dollars
Sales and other operating revenues
Income (loss) from equity investments
EBITDA
Revenues —Revenues decreased by $1,355 million, or 13%, in 2025 compared to 2024. Lower average sales prices resulted in a 10% decrease in revenue driven primarily by oxyfuels and related products as a result of lower crude pricing. A decline in sales volumes due to the second quarter of 2024 sale of our EO&D business and associated production facilities resulted in a 4% decrease in revenue. Favorable foreign exchange impacts resulted in a 1% increase in revenue.
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EBITDA —EBITDA decreased $786 million, or 47%, in 2025 compared to 2024. During 2024, we recognized a $284 million gain on the sale of our EO&D business. During 2025, we permanently closed our European PO Joint Venture incurring $126 million of shutdown costs in the year. Lower oxyfuels and related products margins resulted in a 24% decrease in EBITDA driven by lower crude pricing from softer global demand as compared to the prior year. This decrease was partially offset by improved oxyfuel and related products volumes which increased EBITDA by 9% primarily due to more sales volumes.
Advanced Polymer Solutions Segment
Overview— Segment results were affected by impairment charges recognized in 2024 and 2025. EBITDA improved due to transformational programs included in our stepping up performance and culture strategy.
The following table sets forth selected financial information for the APS segment.
Year Ended December 31,
Millions of dollars
Sales and other operating revenues
EBITDA
Revenues —Revenues decreased in 2025 by $162 million, or 4%, compared to 2024. Lower sales volumes resulted in a 4% decrease in revenue stemming from weaker automotive demand. Lower average sales prices resulted in a 2% decrease in revenue. Favorable foreign exchange impacts resulted in a revenue increase of 2%.
EBITDA —EBITDA decreased in 2025 by $705 million, compared to 2024. During 2025, we recognized $782 million of non-cash impairment charges related to a prolonged downturn in, and outlook for, the global automotive industry. During 2024, unfavorable market conditions resulted in the loss of customers in our APS specialty powders business unit, resulting in a non-cash impairment charge of $55 million related to property, plant and equipment. See Note 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to our impairments. The remaining change was primarily related to margin improvements primarily as a result of lower fixed costs driven by our transformation programs including portfolio optimizations including actions taken as a part of our cash improvement plan.
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 2025 and 2024, our Technology segment incurred approximately 60% and 55% of all R&D costs, respectively.
EBITDA decreased in 2025 compared to 2024 due to lower licensing results and lower catalyst margins as the planned pace of global polyolefin capacity additions moderated from lower demand for polyolefin products.
The following table sets forth selected financial information for the Technology segment.
Year Ended December 31,
Millions of dollars
Sales and other operating revenues
EBITDA
Revenues —Revenues decreased by $122 million, or 18%, in 2025 compared to 2024. Lower licensing revenues resulting from recognition of revenue on fewer contracts drove a 16% decrease in revenue. Lower catalyst prices drove a 3% decrease in revenues. Lower catalyst volumes resulting from lower demand drove a 3% decrease in revenues. Favorable foreign exchange impact resulted in a 4% increase in revenues.
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EBITDA —EBITDA in 2025 decreased by $199 million, or 53%, compared to 2024. Licensing results led to a 31% decrease in EBITDA resulting from fewer contracts with lower average values reaching significant milestones. Lower catalyst margins resulted in a 20% decrease in EBITDA as a result of lower production levels.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
The following table summarizes operating, investing and financing cash flow activities:
Year Ended December 31,
Millions of dollars
Cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities
Investing activities
Financing activities
Operating Activities —Cash provided by operating activities of $2,262 million in 2025 primarily reflected net loss adjusted for non-cash items, $393 million of tax payments which includes $235 million in U.S. Federal corporate income tax payments deferred from 2024 into 2025 under Hurricane Beryl disaster relief, and cash activities primarily related to Accounts receivable, Inventories, and Accounts payable.
Decreased Accounts receivable of $687 million was driven by lower average sales prices and volumes resulting from weak market conditions in our O&P-Americas, O&P-EAI, and I&D segments. Decreased Accounts payable of $768 million was primarily driven by lower production volumes from lower operating rates and decreased raw material costs in our O&P-EAI segment coupled with timing of payments. These changes also reflect our efforts to address ongoing macroeconomic volatility and strengthen financial results through our cash improvement plan. The decrease of $945 million in Inventories was primarily driven by our cash improvement plan actions.
Cash provided by operating activities of $3,819 million in 2024 primarily reflected earnings adjusted for non-cash items and cash activities primarily related to Accounts receivable, Inventories, and Accounts payable. Decreased Accounts receivable of $127 million was primarily driven by lower average sales prices coupled with timing of sales and customer payments. The decrease of $25 million in Inventories was primarily driven by higher sales volumes, slightly offset by inventory build in anticipation of turnarounds in the first quarter of 2025. Decreased Accounts payable of $122 million was driven by decreased raw material costs, partially offset by timing of payments.
Investing Activities —Capital expenditures in 2025 totaled $1,878 million compared to $1,839 million in 2024, of which approximately 65% and 75%, 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 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding capital spending by segment.
In 2025, we received proceeds of $67 million upon the sale of excess European emission credits. 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 joint venture. See Notes 10 and 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
In 2025, foreign currency contracts with an aggregate notional value of €750 million expired. Upon settlement of these foreign currency contracts, we paid €750 million ($877 million at the expiry spot rate) to our counterparties and received $843 million from our counterparties. Additionally, in 2025 we received $59 million upon termination and cash settlement of our cross-currency interest rate swaps, designated as net investment hedges, maturing in 2025 and 2030.
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.
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Financing Activities —We made dividend payments totaling $1,764 million and $1,720 million, in 2025 and 2024, respectively. Additionally, in 2025 and 2024, we made payments of $201 million and $195 million to repurchase outstanding ordinary shares, respectively. For additional information related to our share repurchases and dividend payments, see Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In 2025, we issued $500 million of 5.125% guaranteed notes due 2031 and $1,000 million of 5.875% guaranteed notes due 2036. Combined net proceeds from the sale of the notes are expected to be used for general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment of the outstanding principal on our guaranteed notes due 2026 and 2027.
In 2025, we issued $500 million of 6.150% guaranteed notes due 2035. Net proceeds from the sale of the notes were used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of $492 million remaining of outstanding principal of our 1.25% guaranteed notes due 2025.
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.
For additional detail regarding these debt transactions see Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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 15 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. 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; however, our returns may vary in the event of significant or unforeseen changes in business circumstances, mergers or acquisitions, or the continuation of the current downturn. We intend to continue to declare and pay quarterly dividends, after giving consideration to our cash balances and expected results from operations. Our focus on funding our dividends is balanced with our commitment to maintain an investment grade balance sheet as part of our capital allocation strategy and there can be no assurance that any dividends or distributions will be declared or paid in the future.
In February 2026, we declared a quarterly dividend of $0.69 per share, representing a $0.68 per share reduction from our fourth quarter 2025 dividend. The dividend will be paid to shareholders on March 9, 2026, with an ex-dividend and record date of March 2, 2026.
Cash Improvement Plan
In April 2025, to address ongoing macroeconomic volatility, we announced a cash improvement plan. The plan targeted a $600 million run-rate in annualized savings for 2025 relative to our 2025 internal plan. The cash improvement plan included three initiatives: (1) deferral of capital spending; (2) net reduction in Accounts receivable, Inventory and Accounts payable; and (3) fixed cost reductions. As of the end of 2025, the cash improvement plan achieved $800 million in annualized cash savings relative to our 2025 plan. For 2026, we expect to generate an additional $500 million of cash savings relative to 2025 actuals for a cumulative target of $1.3 billion. We will continue to prioritize capital spending on maintenance and certain
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growth projects. Fixed cost reductions may be achieved through contract changes, reductions in employees and employee-related expenses or other means. During 2025, we incurred $32 million in severance costs associated with the cash improvement plan.
Cash and Liquid Investments
As of December 31, 2025, we had Cash and cash equivalents totaling $3,443 million, which includes $678 million in jurisdictions outside of the U.S., primarily held within the United Kingdom. There are currently no legal or economic restrictions that would materially impede our transfers of cash.
Credit Arrangements
At December 31, 2025, we had total debt, including current maturities, of $12,938 million. Additionally, we had $169 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, 2025, 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, 2025, 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, 2025, we had no borrowings or letters of credit outstanding under this facility.
In 2025, we amended the Senior Revolving Credit Facility primarily to increase the maximum leverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) through 2027 unless we elect to terminate such provisions sooner. Included in the amendment are certain limitations, including restrictions on dividend increases, if our leverage ratio is greater than or equal to 4.00 to 1.00, and share repurchases except to offset dilution. Additionally, the modification to the maximum leverage ratio was incorporated into the U.S. Receivables Facility. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details.
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 2025, our shareholders approved a proposal to authorize us to repurchase up to 34.0 million ordinary shares, through November 23, 2026, 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. In 2025, we purchased approximately 3.0 million shares under our share repurchase authorization for $201 million.
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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. As of February 18, 2026, we had approximately 34.0 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. In September 2025, we amended our Senior Revolving Credit Facility which now restricts share repurchases, except to offset dilution. For additional information related to our share repurchase authorizations, see Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Capital Budget
In 2026, we are planning to invest approximately $1.2 billion in capital expenditures. Approximately $800 million of the 2026 budget is planned for sustaining maintenance, with the remaining budget supporting profit-generating growth projects. Our capital spending plans are aligned with our strategic pillars. However, while we continue to invest in MoReTec -1 as planned, we are delaying construction to expand our propylene production capacity at our Channelview Complex (Flex-2) and delaying other capital projects to preserve capital during the cycle downturn.
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 13, 14, 16 and 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, respectively.
We are party to obligations to purchase raw material s, 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 2025. Assuming that contractual minimum volumes are purchased at contract prices as of December 31, 2025, these commitments represent approximately 20% of our annual Cost of sales with a weighted average remaining term of 6 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 2025. When valued using a contract price as of December 31, 2025, these commitments represent approximately 5% of our annual Cost of sales with a weighted average remaining term of 14 years.
In connection with the agreement for the sale of select European olefins & polyolefins assets and the associated business, we anticipate making a cash contribution of approximately $300 million to the sold businesses prior to closing in the second quarter of 2026. Other costs, including selling expenses, separation costs, and employee-related costs, are estimated to range from approximately $100 million to $150 million and are expected to be incurred primarily prior to closing. See Note 4 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
We apply accounting policies that best reflect the underlying business and economic events, consistent with U.S. GAAP. Inherent in such policies are certain key assumptions and estimates which are updated periodically. We believe 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 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 natural gas which are subject to many factors, including changes in economic conditions.
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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 inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations are based on our estimate 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 of December 31, 2025, three of our nine LIFO inventory pools, with a combined carrying value of $1.6 billion, were valued close to their respective market values. If there is a sustained decline in market prices in subsequent periods, we may recognize a LCM inventory valuation charge to reduce the carrying value of these pools to their respective market value. The extent of any future adjustment will depend on pool‑specific commodity pricing trends and changes in the composition of each dollar‑value LIFO pool at the balance sheet date. Given the inherent volatility in market pricing we cannot predict the extent of any such charge. Lower of cost or market charges recognized during an interim period can be reversed, partially or fully, in subsequent interim periods of the same fiscal year if market pricing recovers prior to the earlier of the inventory being sold and the end of the same fiscal year. Accordingly, our cost of sales and results of operations may be affected by such fluctuations.
Long-Lived Assets Impairment Assessment —Long-lived assets are assessed for impairment whenever changes in facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. 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. 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. If the sum of the undiscounted estimated pre-tax cash flows is less than the carrying value of an asset group, fair value is calculated using an income approach or a market approach, and the carrying value is written down to the calculated fair value.
Significant judgment is involved in developing estimates of fair value, as the results may be based on assumptions that are not readily observable, including projected operating results, economic conditions, expected cash flows, EBITDA growth rates, terminal values, and discount rates. The discount rates applied in cash flow models reflect considerations such as prevailing market and economic conditions, the risk profile of the projected cash flows, and the return expectations of market participants. Estimates used to determine fair value are consistent with those used in our financial planning and business performance reviews.
During the third quarter of 2025, a prolonged downturn in, and outlook for, the European petrochemical and global automotive industries, particularly affected our O&P-EAI and APS segments, combined with the sustained decline in our market capitalization, constituted a triggering event requiring a quantitative interim impairment test of goodwill and long-lived assets within these segments. As a result we recognized non-cash impairment charges of $111 million related to intangible assets and $99 million related to property, plant and equipment in our APS segment. Additionally, during 2025, we recognized impairment charges of $56 million related to property, plant and equipment in connection with European assets classified as held for sale in our O&P-EAI segment.
The impairments recognized in 2025 were determined utilizing a discounted cash flow method under the income approach. These impairments resulted in a full write-down of property, plant and equipment for the impacted asset groups. Intangible assets remaining within our APS segment after the recognition of impairment charges are immaterial. We believe that any reasonable variation, whether favorable or unfavorable, in a significant input would not have a material effect on Net income (loss). In addition, due to the complexity and interdependence of the assumptions underlying the impairment analysis, it is not practicable to quantify the effect of individual assumptions on Net income (loss).
See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding impairment charges.
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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 may be 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. Under the quantitative impairment test, the fair value of each reporting unit, calculated using an income approach such as a discounted cash flow model, is compared to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge equal to the excess is recognized, up to a maximum amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.
The process of valuing each reporting unit is inherently subjective, as valuation models require the application of significant estimates and the use of unobservable inputs, including projected operating results, economic conditions, expected cash flows, discount rates and other assumptions based on a market participant perspective. The discount rates applied in our cash flow models reflect considerations such as prevailing market and economic conditions, the risk profile of the projected cash flows, and the return expectations of market participants. While we believe our fair value estimates are reasonable, actual results may differ from those projections.
In the third quarter of 2025, we performed a quantitative impairment assessment of the reporting units within our O&P-EAI and APS segments, resulting in the recognition of non-cash impairment charges totaling $972 million. The impairments recognized in our O&P-EAI and APS segments resulted in a full write-down of goodwill for these segments. We believe that any reasonable variation, whether favorable or unfavorable, in a significant input would not have a material effect on Net income (loss). In addition, due to the complexity and interdependence of the assumptions underlying the impairment analysis, it is not practicable to quantify the effect of individual assumptions on Net income (loss). See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
As of December 31, 2025, we had goodwill of $708 million, primarily related to the acquisition of A. Schulman Inc. in 2018, as well as the tax effects of differences between the tax and book basis of our assets and liabilities, which resulted from the revaluation of those assets and liabilities to fair value in connection with the Company’s emergence from bankruptcy and the application of fresh-start accounting in 2010. In the fourth quarter of 2025, 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 exceeded their carrying value, including goodwill. Accordingly, a quantitative goodwill impairment test was not required.
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, we consider 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. Estimates 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.
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 our responsibility, often with the assistance of independent experts, to select assumptions that, in our 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.
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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, 2025, we used a weighted average discount rate of 5.43% 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, 2025, was 4.37%, reflecting market interest rates. The discount rates in effect at December 31, 2025 will be used to measure net periodic benefit cost during 2026.
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, 2025, the assumed rate of increase for our U.S. plans was 7.0%, decreasing to 4.5% in 2036 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.
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 3.44% is based on expectations and asset allocations that vary by region. The asset allocations are summarized in Note 16 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. Our 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 on
Benefit Obligations
Effects on Net
Periodic Pension
Costs in 2026
Millions of dollars
Non-U.S.
Non-U.S.
Projected benefit obligations at December 31, 2025
Projected net periodic pension costs in 2026
Discount rate increases by 100 basis points
Discount rate decreases by 100 basis points
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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 on
Benefit Obligations
Effects on Net
Periodic Benefit
Costs in 2026
Millions of dollars
Non-U.S.
Non-U.S.
Projected benefit obligations at December 31, 2025
Projected net periodic benefit costs in 2026
Discount rate increases by 100 basis points
Discount rate decreases by 100 basis points
Additional information on the key assumptions underlying these benefit costs appears in Note 16 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 our 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.
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.
CURRENT BUSINESS OUTLOOK
During the first quarter of 2026, we are managing continued volatility in feedstock and energy prices. In our O&P-Americas segment, tight year-end inventories , reduced supply and stronger seasonal demand are supportive for polyethylene price increase initiatives in the market. In O&P-EAI, typical seasonal trends should lead to improved demand. In our I&D segment, oxyfuel profitability is expected to normalize following a volatile 2025 with typical seasonal margin improvements toward the end of the first quarter.
We are aligning our first quarter of 2026 operating rates with global demand and plan to operate our O&P-Americas, O&P-EAI and I&D assets at approximately 85%, 75% and 85%, respectively.
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 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional related party disclosures.
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