Debt to Equity
since 2011
Calculation
LyondellBasell Industries N.V., debt to equity, long-term trends, calculation
| Debt to equity | = | Total debt1 | ÷ | Total Company share of stockholders’ equity1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 31, 2018 | 0.92 | = | 9,387) | ÷ | 10,257) |
| Dec 31, 2017 | 0.96 | = | 8,619) | ÷ | 8,949) |
| Dec 31, 2016 | 1.48 | = | 8,981) | ÷ | 6,048) |
| Dec 31, 2015 | 1.23 | = | 8,028) | ÷ | 6,550) |
| Dec 31, 2014 | 0.85 | = | 7,107) | ÷ | 8,314) |
| Dec 31, 2013 | 0.47 | = | 5,835) | ÷ | 12,478) |
| Dec 31, 2012 | 0.40 | = | 4,400) | ÷ | 11,139) |
| Dec 31, 2011 | 0.38 | = | 4,032) | ÷ | 10,593) |
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-12-31).
1 US$ in millions
- Total Debt
- The total debt exhibited a clear upward trend from 2011 to 2018. Starting at $4,032 million in 2011, it increased consistently, reaching a peak of $9,387 million in 2018. Notably, there was a substantial rise between 2012 and 2016, with debt more than doubling in that timeframe, followed by some fluctuations but remaining at elevated levels through 2018.
- Total Company Share of Stockholders’ Equity
- The equity values showed a different pattern. Initial growth was observed from 2011 through 2013, increasing from $10,593 million to $12,478 million. However, a sharp decline occurred in 2014, dropping notably to $8,314 million and continuing to decrease until 2016, reaching a low of $6,048 million. After this period, equity began to recover in 2017 and 2018, rising back to $8,949 million and $10,257 million respectively, though not yet reaching the earlier peak levels.
- Debt to Equity Ratio
- This ratio captures the relationship between debt and equity and reveals significant shifts over the period. From a low ratio of 0.38 in 2011, it rose substantially to a peak of 1.48 in 2016, indicating a growing reliance on debt relative to equity. After 2016, the ratio decreased to 0.96 in 2017 and further to 0.92 in 2018, suggesting a reduction in leverage and a more balanced capital structure in the latter years.
- Overall Analysis
- The data reveals a period of increasing financial leverage from 2011 to 2016, characterized by rising debt and declining equity, resulting in a peak debt-to-equity ratio in 2016. Following this, the company appears to have initiated measures to reduce leverage, as seen by the declining debt-to-equity ratio and partial recovery of equity values. Despite continued high levels of debt, the improved ratio and recovering equity suggest a strategic shift towards strengthening the financial position from 2017 onward.
Comparison to Competitors
LyondellBasell Industries N.V., debt to equity, long-term trends, comparison to competitors
| LyondellBasell Industries N.V. | Linde plc | Sherwin-Williams Co. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 31, 2018 | 0.92 | 0.30 | 2.50 |
| Dec 31, 2017 | 0.96 | 1.50 | 2.85 |
| Dec 31, 2016 | 1.48 | 1.90 | 1.04 |
| Dec 31, 2015 | 1.23 | 2.10 | 2.26 |
| Dec 31, 2014 | 0.85 | 1.65 | 1.81 |
| Dec 31, 2013 | 0.47 | 1.33 | 0.97 |
| Dec 31, 2012 | 0.40 | 1.21 | 0.95 |
| Dec 31, 2011 | 0.38 | 1.20 | 0.65 |
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-12-31).
Comparison to Sector (Chemicals)
LyondellBasell Industries N.V., debt to equity, long-term trends, comparison to sector (chemicals)
| LyondellBasell Industries N.V. | Chemicals | |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 31, 2018 | 0.92 | 0.45 |
| Dec 31, 2017 | 0.96 | 2.01 |
| Dec 31, 2016 | 1.48 | 1.66 |
| Dec 31, 2015 | 1.23 | 2.13 |
| Dec 31, 2014 | 0.85 | 1.67 |
| Dec 31, 2013 | 0.47 | 1.26 |
| Dec 31, 2012 | 0.40 | 1.15 |
| Dec 31, 2011 | 0.38 | 1.08 |
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-12-31).
Comparison to Industry (Materials)
LyondellBasell Industries N.V., debt to equity, long-term trends, comparison to industry (materials)
| LyondellBasell Industries N.V. | Materials | |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 31, 2018 | 0.92 | 0.55 |
| Dec 31, 2017 | 0.96 | 1.85 |
| Dec 31, 2016 | 1.48 | 2.12 |
| Dec 31, 2015 | 1.23 | 2.42 |
| Dec 31, 2014 | 0.85 | 1.21 |
| Dec 31, 2013 | 0.47 | 1.07 |
| Dec 31, 2012 | 0.40 | 0.50 |
| Dec 31, 2011 | 0.38 | 0.49 |
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-12-31).