LyondellBasell Cuts Dividend 50% After Shares Plunge Over 40%
LYB•Shares of LyondellBasell fell over 40% in 2025, driving its dividend yield to nearly 11% and prompting Goldman Sachs to reiterate a Sell rating in early February 2026. Weeks later the company cut its quarterly dividend by 50%, raising sustainability concerns for its payout.
1. Share Price Decline and Yield Surge
LyondellBasell’s shares declined more than 40% throughout 2025 due to a prolonged chemicals downturn, pushing its dividend yield to a peak near 11% as market value contracted against a steady payout.
2. Goldman Sachs Sell Rating
In early February 2026, Goldman Sachs reiterated its Sell rating on LyondellBasell, citing increased investor uncertainty surrounding the sustainability and policy of the company’s dividend program.
3. 50% Dividend Cut and Outlook
Weeks after the Sell reiteration, LyondellBasell announced a 50% reduction in its quarterly dividend, intensifying questions about future payout levels and the company’s capital allocation priorities.
