A year ago or so, I would have had no idea what an LYB was; however, after spending a year trying to learn more about income investing I am much more potentially conversant about such things. Marginally. So what’s a LYB?
LYB is LyondellBasell Industries. The company currently pays a 9.4% QDI Dividend - just like clockwork.
The bottom line strategy of the family Income Port is to invest in companies whereby the dividend paid outpaces the good ole 4% retirement rule. Ok fine but - what does a LYB do for a living? Here is what they say they do:
Who we are:
We are LyondellBasell – a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. Through advanced technology and focused investments, we are enabling a circular and low carbon economy.
Across all we do, we aim to unlock value for our customers, investors and society. As one of the world’s largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, we develop, manufacture and market high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare.
Nothing you might read here represents investing advice - way way beyond my pay grade. However, in my exceptionally humble opinion maintaining and farming for income is sort of like buying insurance: or maybe not depending on your own personal opinion. See how that works?
LYB ain’t no shiny diamond at the bottom of a long neck gourd - it’s a plodding basic materials company with a long history of paying dividends. At over a 9% Yield it meets the family goal for the income generation.
In the last 1 year, its lost 42.5% of its valuation which explains why the Dividend yield is so high. Usually I think something has to give in this situation, with the dividend payout drops or the shares are under valued and should increase to align to a more reasonable dividend. Any idea the drop? It seemed a steady decline until late March in then was a dramatic decline.. maybe tariff related.
LYB is one of the world’s largest specialty chemical companies, specializing in the production of plastics, chemicals, and refining technologies.
LYB has been hit hard by the tariff announcement and the collapse in energy prices following the decision from OPEC+ to phase out production cuts.
LYB maintains an investment-grade balance sheet with over $4 billion in available liquidity
LYB has raised its dividends annually for 14 years, with several sizeable special dividends paid to shareholders.
LYB made its most recent dividend raise in May 2024, raising its payment by 7% YoY, and the CFO expressed the company’s intent to continue building on this track record.
LYB dividends are considered QDI for federal tax purposes
From the last Conf Call:
“…Over the long-term, we are targeting shareholder returns of 70% of free cash flow…”
Have all three in the Income Port will full 2% positions. All pay monthly. Have had all three for years. In the past I have shifted funds between them based on NAV Premiums but finally just decided it was simpler to hold all three. Between them - the average Yield is just over 12%.
Hi Champ-good to hear from you. I’ve been listening a bit to Jeff Gundlach from Doubline. He mentions that he has begun to use some foreign denominated bonds in his funds. I recently took a position is DSL, Doubleine Income Solution..with ~ 1/3 exposure to international bonds. Am I hedging or just dumb? 5
Decided some years ago that the old golf adage: Drive for Show - Putt for dough was an old trusty and true golf adage for good reason. How it all relates to the differences between Growth and Income investing would be an interesting discussion: Well done on DSL