LyondellBasell's Spheripol Chosen By Hyosung For New Plant

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (NYSE:LYB) announced that Hyosung Vina Chemicals Co., Ltd. will use the Spheripol technology of LyondellBasell for a new facility.

The process technology is expected to be utilized for a 300-KTA polypropylene plant. Notably, the plant will be built at Cai Mep Industrial Zone in Vung Tau Province, Vietnam.

Per management, the additional award for LyondellBasell's Spheripol technology from Hyosung showcases how optimistic operators are with the licensing offer. Notably, the unparalleled licensing track record of its portfolio of polyolefin technology makes the Spheripol process the technology of choice in the polyolefin industry.

The Spheripol technology is the leading process technology for polypropylene with over 27 million tons of licensed capacity. Notably, Spheripol’s new fifth-generation technology includes process improvements that further maximize the efficiency of operations. The plant will start operations, using the Avant ZN catalyst.

By optionally joining the Technical Service program of LyondellBasell, new licensees can enjoy the benefits of its in-house expertise of catalyst know-how, ongoing production improvement and sustainable product development.

Other than the Spheripol process technology, LyondellBasell’s range of approved polyolefin processes and catalysts includes Spherizone, Lupotech, Spherilene, Avant, Metocene PP and Hostalen.

Shares of the company have lost 15.2% in the past year compared with the industry’s 35.7% decline.

On the fourth-quarter earnings call, LyondellBasell expected to witness normal seasonal improvements in its businesses gradually through the second and third quarters of 2020. The company believes that a rebound in industrial demand as well as favorable resolution of trade policies will likely provide a substantial upside for the industry. It also believes that the foundations of cost management, operational excellence and disciplined capital allocation will continue to serve it amid the current challenging environment.

Given the completion of its new Hyperzone project and the expected benefits from the IMO 2020 regulations, LyondellBasell expects to extend its impressive track record of generating cash.

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. Price and Consensus

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. price-consensus-chart | LyondellBasell Industries N.V. Quote

Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider

The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

Some better-ranked stocks in the basic materials space are Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE:DQ) , NovaGold Resources Inc. (NYSE:NG) and Commercial Metals Company (NYSE:CMC) .

Daqo New Energy has a projected earnings growth rate of 353.7% for 2020. The company’s shares have rallied 84% in a year. It currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

NovaGold has a projected earnings growth rate of 11.1% for 2020. It currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). The company’s shares have surged 120.8% in a year.

Commercial Metals currently has a Zacks Rank #2 and a projected earnings growth rate of 21.6% for 2020. The company’s shares have rallied 12.6% in a year.

Biggest Tech Breakthrough in a Generation

Be among the early investors in the new type of device that experts say could impact society as much as the discovery of electricity. Current technology will soon be outdated and replaced by these new devices. In the process, it’s expected to create 22 million jobs and generate $12.3 trillion in activity.

A select few stocks could skyrocket the most as rollout accelerates for this new tech. Early investors could see gains similar to buying Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) in the 1990s. Zacks’ just-released special report reveals 8 stocks to watch. The report is only available for a limited time.

See 8 breakthrough stocks now>>