Form 4: LyondellBasell CEO Sells Shares in Pre-Planned Trade

LyondellBasell Industries CEO Peter Vanacker sold 20,000 Class A Ordinary Shares for approximately $1.07 million as part of a pre-arranged trading plan.

Summary

• Peter Z. E. Vanacker, Chief Executive Officer and Director of LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (LYB), disposed of 20,000 Class A Ordinary Shares.
• The transaction occurred on August 15, 2025, at a weighted-average sale price of $53.5711 per share, resulting in a total value of approximately $1,071,422.
• The sale was executed pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1(c) pre-arranged trading plan, indicating a scheduled transaction.
• Following this transaction, Mr. Vanacker beneficially owns 160,351 Class A Ordinary Shares.
• The remaining beneficial ownership includes 116,241 restricted stock units (RSUs) with various vesting dates extending through February 2028.

Sentiment

Score: 4

Explanation: The sale by the CEO, even if pre-planned under a 10b5-1 plan, generally carries a slightly negative sentiment as it reduces insider ownership. However, the retention of a substantial number of shares and RSUs mitigates a strong negative impact.

Positives

• The sale was conducted under a Rule 10b5-1(c) plan, indicating a pre-scheduled transaction rather than a reaction to immediate market conditions or new information.
• The CEO retains a significant beneficial ownership of 160,351 shares, including a substantial number of unvested restricted stock units, aligning his interests with shareholders.

Negatives

• The sale of 20,000 shares by the Chief Executive Officer represents a reduction in direct ownership, which can sometimes be perceived negatively by investors.

Risks

• The reported sale price of $53.5711 is a weighted-average, with individual trades executed at prices ranging from $53.39 to $53.67, indicating slight price variability during the transaction.

Future Outlook

The filing details future vesting schedules for restricted stock units, indicating a continued long-term incentive alignment for the CEO.

Industry Context

This Form 4 filing is specific to an insider transaction and does not provide information related to broader industry trends or competitive landscape for LyondellBasell Industries N.V.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders may interpret the CEO's sale as a signal, potentially influencing investor sentiment, though the 10b5-1 plan suggests it is not based on new, adverse information.

Next Steps

• Vesting of 28,211 restricted stock units on February 23, 2026.
• Vesting of 15,406 restricted stock units on February 22, 2026.
• Vesting of 19,074 restricted stock units on February 27, 2026.
• Vesting of 15,406 restricted stock units on February 22, 2027.
• Vesting of 19,072 restricted stock units on February 27, 2027.
• Vesting of 19,072 restricted stock units on February 27, 2028.

Key Dates

Recommendation

While the CEO's sale of shares might be perceived negatively, it was executed under a pre-arranged 10b5-1 plan, which suggests it is not based on new, adverse information about the company's prospects. The CEO retains a substantial beneficial ownership, including a significant number of unvested restricted stock units, indicating continued alignment with shareholder interests. Therefore, this transaction alone does not warrant a change in investment thesis, suggesting a 'hold' recommendation.

Keywords

LyondellBasell, LYB, Peter Vanacker, CEO, Director, Insider Sale, Form 4, SEC Filing, Stock Transaction, 10b5-1 Plan, Restricted Stock Units, RSU