LyondellBasell Q4 Profit Surges - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - LyondellBasell Industries (LYB) posted sharply higher fourth-quarter 2013 earnings from continuing operations of $1.18 billion, or $2.11 per share, versus last year's $645 million, or $1.13 per share. On average, 17 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected earnings per share of $1.40 for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude one-time items.

Quarterly sales and other operating revenues edged up to $11.14 billion, from $11.1 billion reported a year back. Analysts estimated revenues of $10.71 billion for the quarter.

Commenting on the outlook, the firm said: "We believe olefins in North America will continue to benefit from strong margins created by cost-advantaged NGLs. We will commence an olefins turnaround at La Porte late in the first quarter which will extend into the second quarter. European olefins and polyolefins demand should improve from a seasonally-low fourth quarter."