LyondellBasell Industries announced earnings from continuing operations for the second quarter 2014 of $2.22 diluted earnings per share, or $1.17 billion. Second quarter 2014 EBITDA was $1.94 billion. The increase from the first quarter 2014 was primarily due to Olefins and Polyolefins – Americas segment results.
Second-Quarter 2014 Highlights
-Record quarterly EBITDA of $1.94 billion
-Record diluted earnings per share of $2.22; income from continuing operations of $1.17 billion
-Solid results in all segments, with O&P Americas segment approaching EBITDA of $1 billion
-Completed initial 10% share repurchase and initiated purchases under second 10% authorization; repurchased approximately 19 million shares during the quarter
"We had record earnings this quarter of $2.22 per share, while our EBITDA approached $2 billion. Importantly, every segment contributed to this achievement. Of particular note was the strength in our Olefins and Polyolefins- Americas segment which generated nearly $1 billion of EBITDA even while we were performing significant scheduled maintenance at our La Porte ethylene site. In addition to the strong quarterly earnings, we repurchased approximately 19 million of our shares during the second quarter, completing the initial 10 percent share repurchase authorization. We also initiated repurchases under the second 10 percent authorization," said Jim Gallogly, LyondellBasell Chief Executive Officer.
"As encouraging as these results are, we did not fully deliver on our reliability expectations, and the quarterly earnings could have been better. Specifically, we were late in completing our La Porte ethylene turnaround in part due to a mechanical issue with a compressor. Both supplier upsets and mechanical issues impacted our Intermediates and Derivatives business as well. Despite these temporary setbacks, our commitment to Operational Excellence continues to be the foundation of our success," Gallogly said.
"Industry fundamentals remain strong, and we continue to execute on our investment program. During the third quarter we expect to begin production from the 800 million pound per year La Porte ethylene expansion. This is the first of three ethylene expansions and continues to put us well ahead of new greenfield plants pursued by others in the industry," Gallogly added.
Outlook
"During the first weeks of the third quarter, industry conditions have been similar to the second quarter environment. U.S. oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids production remain strong. Together these support margins in our Olefins and Polyolefins – Americas, Intermediates and Derivatives, and Refining segments. However, our results in the next quarter will be negatively impacted by the delayed start-up of our La Porte ethylene plant," Gallogly noted.
Source:
http://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/textile-news/newsdetails.aspx?news_id=166268
