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Aug. 3, 2026 Source: BASF news release Ludwigshafen, Germany -- BASF was able to increase earnings in nearly all segments in the second quarter of 2026. Stronger prices and higher volumes contributed to this rise. "We further strengthened BASF's position in the market and achieved major progress with our restructuring as well as portfolio measures," said BASF CEO Dr. Markus Kamieth when presenting the company's half-year results, together with CFO Dr. Dirk Elvermann. On July 15, 2026, BASF had already pre-released preliminary figures for the second quarter of 2026 because EBITDA before special items of €2.4 billion significantly exceeded average analysts' expectations. BASF raised its earnings outlook for the full year 2026. BASF Group's sales in the second quarter of 2026 amounted to €17.2 billion, €2.4 billion above the level of the prior-year period. This was largely attributable to considerably higher prices (plus 11.5 percent) and volume growth (plus 7.3 percent). The price increase was driven by the Chemicals, Surface Technologies, Materials and Industrial Solutions segments, while prices in the Agricultural Solutions and Nutrition & Care segments declined. Volumes increased in nearly all segments, with the exception of Surface Technologies, which recorded a slight decline in sales volumes. Currency effects had a dampening impact on sales in all segments. Income from operations before depreciation, amortization and special items (EBITDA before special items) improved by €854 million compared with the prior-year quarter to €2.4 billion. The main driver here was the significant earnings increase in the Materials, Chemicals and Industrial Solutions segments, primarily as a result of improved contribution margins. The Agricultural Solutions and Nutrition & Care segments recorded slight earnings increases. In the Surface Technologies segment, earnings were down significantly due to higher fixed costs. EBITDA before special items in Other grew considerably compared with the value in the prior-year quarter. EBITDA increased to €2.0 billion, compared with €1.3 billion in the prior-year period. EBITDA included special items in the amount of minus €484 million in the second quarter of 2026. Special charges were incurred mainly in relation to restructuring measures, particularly the cost savings program being driven forward at the Ludwigshafen site, as well as the implementation of new ERP systems. At €937 million, EBIT was up by €542 million over the level of the prior-year quarter. Income before income taxes amounted to €780 million, up by €560 million versus the figure of the prior-year quarter. Income after taxes increased significantly to €4.2 billion, compared with €108 million in the prior-year period. This contained a disposal gain after taxes of €3.5 billion from the sale of the Coatings business to Carlyle. Net income was €4.1 billion, compared with €79 million in the prior-year quarter. Cash flows from operating activities totaled €524 million in the second quarter, €1.1 billion below the level of the prior-year quarter. This decrease was largely attributable to the higher amount of cash tied up in working capital, which resulted in part because cash tied up in inventories increased by €654 million owing to higher raw material prices. In addition, there was a negative impact of €843 million on cash flow because cash was tied up in trade accounts receivable, as opposed to a cash release in the prior-year quarter. Cash flows from investing activities in the second quarter of 2026 amounted to €5.5 billion, compared with minus €1.1 billion in the prior-year period. The increase was largely attributable to the net cash inflow of €5.6 billion from the purchase price payment less disposed cash in connection with the sale of the Coatings business. In addition, payments of €522 million were received from the sale of shares in Harbour Energy in the second quarter of 2026. Payments made for intangible assets and property, plant and equipment decreased by €340 million, mainly in relation to the Verbund site in Zhanjiang. Free cash flow amounted to minus €189 million in the second quarter of 2026, down by €721 million compared with the level of the prior-year period. BASF Group's business development in the first half of 2026 Compared with the first half of 2025, BASF Group's sales rose by €1.9 billion to €33.2 billion, in particular as a result of positive volume and price effects. Volumes increased by 5.7 percent compared with the prior-year period, while prices were up by 4.8 percent. Currency effects had a dampening impact on sales in all segments. To read the entire report click here. Tweet |
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